The last thing you’d expect a Cabinet Minister to be doing is to be spraying graffiti in the middle of a major shopping centre. SSF Showcases Young Local Talent

Even if Dr Vivian Balakrishnan , Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, has often referred to his rebellious youth, he did just that as he officially opened the Singapore Street Festival (SSF) on May 24 at Suntec City’s Tropics Atrium.

During the opening ceremony, he added the finishing touches to a larger-than-life graffiti art piece of a clenched fist, the logo of this year’s SSF Showcases Young Local TalentStreet Festival. This was followed by several performances by local youth talent, which included yo-yo performances by local yo-yo champions who’re still in secondary school and even a top male bellydancer who’s serving his National Service.

Dr Balakrishnan, a long-time patron of the SSF, told UrbanWire how the whole Street Festival tied in perfectly with Singapore’s successful bid to host the 2010 Youth Olympic Games and efforts to put local youths in the global spotlight.

“We want to present something authentic, something that’s us. Nothing’s better to show off than our home grown talent,” he said.

“Our young people can do it, can make a difference and deserve to have our support,” he added.

This year’s SSF is supported by the National ArtsSSF Showcases Young Local Talent Council and *scape . It has spent $350,000 to run its lineup of street culture themed activities ranging from graffiti painting to breakdance and rap competitions. which will last till Jun 8.

Watch this space as UrbanWIre continues to bring you more exciting coverage!

Photographs courtesy of Singapore Street Festival 2008

This article is part of UrbanWire’s 9-week Singapore Arts Festival 2008 special.
Get all the latest Arts Fest updates and reviews on UrbanWire.