Established in 1938, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) is Singapore’s pioneer arts institution. The academy is known for its rigorous and high-quality curriculum, innovative and practitioners-led teaching approach, diverse artistic creations, and community outreach.
NAFA has nurtured 13 recipients of the Cultural Medallion – Singapore’s highest accolade bestowed on art practitioners who have significantly impacted arts and culture. Another 14 alumni have been presented the Young Artist Award. Many of the academy’s alumni have gone on to make their mark in the professional arts scene in Singapore and abroad.
The academy offers full-time diploma and degree programmes across three schools: the School of Art & Design comprising 3D Design, Design & Media, Fashion Studies and Fine Art programmes, the School of Music, and the School of Arts Management, Dance & Theatre. Diploma courses are aligned with the degree courses offered in partnership with top universities in the world, namely University of the Arts London (ranked 2nd globally for Art and Design since 2019) and Royal College of Music (ranked 2nd globally for performing arts in 2021).
NAFA’s courses are designed and delivered by experienced art educators and leading industry practitioners. NAFA’s academic schools regularly review and refine their curriculum to reflect the changing needs of the industry, which is built upon the creativity and artistic imagination inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia.
Since 1999, NAFA has received polytechnic-level funding from Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE). In 2011, NAFA became the first comprehensive arts education institution in Singapore to be awarded the four-year EduTrust certificate from the Council for Private Education (now known as the Committee for Private Education). It received its third four-year certification in 2019. In 2021, with the support from MOE, NAFA formed an arts alliance with LASALLE College of the Arts to establish Singapore’s first arts university, University of the Arts Singapore, which will open its doors in August 2024.
Last updated 5 September 2022