This Saturday, 12 July 2025, art and activism come together in a powerful way at TAG@TPD, Tanjong Pagar DistriPark with EMPOWER: With Art, For A Purpose, With Pride, an art auction and party created to support Singapore’s LGBTQ+ community.
Though Pride Month officially falls in June, the spirit of Pride lives on through initiatives like EMPOWER. This post-Pride celebration invites you to experience powerful artworks, hear personal stories from the community, and take action by bidding for a cause.
EMPOWER: With Art, For A Purpose, With Pride is a community-driven art auction and party where every voice matters and every story holds the power to spark change. Organised by House of VSE and supported by Artitute, A Glass Of, and TAG@TPD, EMPOWER aims to raise S$20,000 in net proceeds for two essential organisations: The T Project and Oogachaga, both serving LGBTQ+ individuals with dignity, compassion, and vital resources.
Attendees can look forward to bidding on over 30 unique artworks, with starting bids at S$120. Each piece offers a chance to own meaningful art while supporting vital LGBTQ+ causes.
Ticket prices include one complimentary drink, generously sponsored by A Glass Of, and a cute Chin-Chin pin, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the evening.
Special Promo: Buy 3 Tickets, Get 1 Free
This offer is specially created to welcome the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
Book now at art2empower.peatix.com
About The Beneficiaries
The T Project
Founded in 2014 by June Chua and her late sister Alicia, The T Project is Singapore’s first and only social service organisation dedicated to the transgender community. What began as a shelter providing safe housing for homeless transgender individuals, especially those living with HIV, has expanded into a community centre offering peer counselling, social support, and educational resources. The Alicia Community Centre also documents transgender history in Singapore, serving as a safe space for individuals of all ages. The T Project is committed to empowering transgender people with stability, dignity, and opportunities for growth.
Oogachaga
Established in 1999, Oogachaga is Singapore’s most established LGBTQ+ community organisation, providing counselling, support groups, and outreach services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning individuals. It adopts an affirming and inclusive approach, offering professional counselling by qualified volunteers and staff in confidential and safe environments. Oogachaga also manages Congregaytion, a key community resource portal, and continues to be a vital pillar of support and education for the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore.
Art That Empowers: Stories Behind the Artists
Ahead of this special event, Artitute had the pleasure of speaking with several of the featured voices behind EMPOWER, including artists Casey Chen, Leo Liu Xuanqi, Lee Wei Lieh, Karolina Prom, and Ezzam Rahman, as well as June Chua, founder of The T Project. Their reflections affirm that art and love know no boundaries. In this closely connected creative community, these artists continue to give generously of their time, talent, and truth to support causes that matter.
Leo Liu Xuanqi – Platinum Award Winner, 31st UOB Painting of the Year
Artitute: What inspired you to contribute to Empower?
Leo: “As an artist, I believe that beyond creation, we have a responsibility to give back. Art should be a bridge for communication, compassion, and action.”
Artitute: What empowers you, in life or art?
Leo: “Only love and art can heal humanity’s pain. They are medicine for the soul.”
Featured Artwork: Cloud Vase – A Symbol of Cultural Convergence and Flourishing
Cloud Vase reflects the vitality and prosperity of contemporary Asia through a fusion of tradition and modernity. The vase symbolizes deep cultural heritage, while the fluid cloud motif embodies freedom and transformation. The interplay of solid heritage and shifting new ideas represents Asia’s dynamic cultural diversity. Through this piece, Leo inspires reflection on cultural identity and conveys a hopeful message of inclusiveness and flourishing.
Casey Chen – Visual Artist and Designer known for conceptual storytelling
Artitute: Why support Empower?
Casey: “Art should give voice to underrepresented communities. Supporting Oogachaga and The T Project is a way to stand in solidarity.”
Artitute: What empowers you creatively?
Casey: “Curiosity and collaboration fuel my work. They keep me open and engaged.”
Featured Artwork: Mynah Sculpture (Limited Edition Pink)
Casey contributes three limited edition Mynah sculptures in pink, specially produced for Empower. Inspired by nostalgia and resilience, the Mynah is a toy-like bird symbolizing joy, harmony, and the journey home. It calls on viewers to reconnect with nature, each other, and the carefree joy of childhood.
Ezzam Rahman – Young Artist Award Recipient, President’s Young Talents Grand Prize Winner
Artitute: Why contribute to Empower?
Ezzam: “This is my community and part of who I am. Contributing art is the least I can do.”
Artitute: What gives you strength in art?
Ezzam: “Authenticity. Being raw, vulnerable, and honest connects us through art.”
Featured Artwork: those who we lost along the way
Using anti-inflammatory plasters, repurposed leather, and paint, this abstract collage evokes identity, loss, and connection. Each brushstroke represents a person crossed and lost, reminding us of our shared humanity beyond race, gender, or sexuality.
Lee Wei Lieh – Founder of House of VSE, Creator of “Bring LOVE Everywhere”
Artitute: How did the LOVE sculpture come about?
Wei: “It started from a failed grant proposal. I decided to create it myself, using recycled plastic bottles, as a way to give.”
Artitute: What empowers you?
Wei: “Endurance. Art is my way to disconnect from pain and give others something beautiful.”
Featured Artwork: LOVE Light Sculpture
Handmade over six days, LOVE glows with resilience and hope, symbolizing the quiet power of giving.
Karolina Prom – Interdisciplinary Artist exploring emotional landscapes
Artitute: What empowers you as an artist?
Karolina: “Asking questions without rushing for answers. Staying open to uncertainty is fertile ground for growth.”
Her work invites audiences to sit with discomfort and vulnerability, creating shared spaces for transformation.
Voices From The Community: June Chua, Founder of The T Project
“I just wanted to help my friends. That’s how it all started.”
June Chua’s journey began by offering shelter to homeless transgender individuals in Singapore. Today, The T Project provides housing, counselling, and food aid, uplifting a vulnerable and often invisible community.
June: “Simple joy keeps me going. When one of my residents gets permanent housing, I feel so happy. That joy fuels my work.”
At Empower, June will share her story live, reminding us that care need not be loud to be powerful.
Click here to watch the full interview with June Chua, founder of The T Project, on Artitute’s Instagram.
Event Highlights
Exhibition and Meditative Workshops
• Rainbow Tape Art Workshops: 11am and 2pm
• Exhibition showcasing original works by LGBTQ+ artists and allies
EMPOWER Art Auction Party
• 7 to 10pm: Live auction, spoken word, performances
• Stories from June Chua and Alan Koh (Affordable Art Fair)
• Celebrate with music, drinks, and meaningful conversations
Venue: TAG@TPD, Tanjong Pagar DistriPark
Date: Saturday, 12 July 2025
Tickets: Buy Tickets Now – Buy 3, Get 1 Free
Let us unite to honour unheard voices, unseen stories, and the enduring love that inspires change. Show up ready to connect, support, and empower.
