Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

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Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) is a publicly funded arts college in Singapore and has been a constituent college of the University of the Arts Singapore since 2024. It offers diploma, bachelor's, and master's programs in arts and design, with a strong focus on industry-relevant training. Diploma programs are designed to be a polytechnic-level path, usually taking three years with internships, preparing students to enter the workforce or continue to university.

NAFA runs with three main faculties:
- Art & Design: including the School of Fine Art, School of 3D Design, School of Design and Media, and School of Fashion Studies.
- Performing Arts: including the School of Dance, School of Music, and School of Theatre.
- Interdisciplinary Practices: including the School of Arts Management and the School of Interdisciplinary Arts.

The academy collaborates with universities to offer subsidised degree programs. These include: a partnership with University of the Arts London (UAL) for bachelor’s degrees; accelerated degree paths with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) since 2006; and a Bachelor of Music program with the Royal College of Music (RCM) in London, along with related Master’s programs in performance and composition.

History and campuses:
NAFA was founded in 1938 by Lim Hak Tai in a small two-story shophouse in Geylang. It moved to Bencoolen Street in 2004, and has since expanded to four campuses along Bencoolen Street. Campus facilities include art studios, galleries, theatres, music and dance studios, and special centers such as the Tanoto Foundation Centre for Southeast Asian Arts (launched in 2011). In 2017, a new Campus 1 Tower Block was opened to provide more space for students and studios.

Admissions and culture:
Entry into diploma programs typically requires a strong portfolio, admission test, or audition to showcase artistic potential. NAFA is known for its industry focus and close ties with higher education partners, helping graduates move on to universities or start their careers in arts and design.

Notable outcomes:
NAFA has produced many award-winning artists, including 16 Cultural Medallion recipients and 15 Young Artist Award recipients. As of recent years, enrollments have grown from about 2,400 students to an anticipated 3,300-plus by 2024.