Two short courses for adults – starting soon!

The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), University of the Arts Singapore has short courses for adults in arts, design and media. Offered by the institute’s Centre for Lifelong Education (CLE), the courses encourage lifelong learning so adults can upskill, reskill or even develop new hobbies. Here’s a look at two that are starting on 14 April, 2026, which you can apply for from now until 30 March.

#1 Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts short course for adults – Sustainable Fashion and Garment Repair

Got an accidental tear in a beloved item of clothing? Or perhaps you’ve started hitting the gym and your clothes don’t fit anymore. Rather than throw them out, this short course lets you explore repair in fashion as a creative and conscious response.

In workshops at the Centre for Lifelong Education, you will learn to:

• apply basic mending and upcycling techniques, including reshaping garments to extend the life of clothing and accessories;
• adopt sustainable practices towards your personal fashion and lifestyle choices;
• analyse the cultural, economic and ecological value of repair culture in shaping a more conscious fashion future;
• execute appropriate alterations on woven and knit garments using a sewing lockstitch machine; and
• design and curate wardrobe pieces that creatively express personal identity, resourcefulness and sustainability values

After this NAFA course, you’ll walk away with both refreshed garments and a renewed perspective towards fashion.

About the trainer of this NAFA course

Eng Hwee San is a fashion designer and educator with an extensive background in creative pattern cutting and dressmaking. She graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, as well as from LASALLE College of the Arts’ Bachelor in Fashion Design and Textiles.

With a wealth of experience in bespoke bridalwear, she’s now an adjunct lecturer in Garment Construction for NAFA Diploma students, as well as in the Centre for Lifelong Education for adult learners.

Details:

Dates: Every Tuesday, 14 April to 5 May, 2026
Time: 7pm to 10pm
Fee: $492

#2 Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts short course for adults – Introduction to Caring for Your Collections

If you have a collection of artwork at home, are an artist or work at a gallery, this course is for you!

In workshops at the Centre of Lifelong Education, you will learn to:

• understand and recognise the environmental factors and agents that cause deterioration;
• apply proper handling techniques for your collections to minimise the risk of damage during transportation or display; and
• implement best practices for storage that promote long-term preservation.

Besides gaining foundational knowledge in preservation care, you’ll be empowered with practical skills for the proper handling of artworks.

About the trainer of this NAFA course

Ong Fang Zheng brings her expertise as a professional and certified conservator. She trained at the West Dean College (UK) and the National Tainan University of the Arts (Taiwan) in the Conservation of Books and Library Materials. She also holds a master’s degree in the Conservation of Cultural Relics.

Fang Zheng has interned and worked in institutions such as the National Palace Museum (Taipei), Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Israel Museum Jerusalem, Heritage Conservation Centre (Singapore) and the National Archives of Singapore. As a council member of the Siaw-Tao Seal Carving, Calligraphy and Painting Society, Fang Zhen is also actively engaged in the local arts scene.

Details:

Dates: Every Saturday, 9 to 30 May, 2026
Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm
Fee: $480

Register for these courses by the CLE

Materials for the NAFA courses are not provided – two weeks before the commencement date, registered participants will receive a detailed materials list to prepare.

Upon successful completion of the course, which requires a minimum attendance rate of 75 percent, a digital certificate will be issued by CLE.

For more details, fees, funding schemes and to register for courses by the CLE, head to the following links:

• Sustainable Fashion and Garment Repair
• Introduction to Caring for Your Collections

About NAFA’s Centre for Lifelong Education

Established in 2005, NAFA’s CLE provides continuing education and training in arts, design and media.

Short courses commence four times a year in January, March, July and September while their Certificate courses commence three times a year in January, May and September. Application for courses open approximately two months before the course commencement date.

Singaporeans can subsidise fees of courses for adults with SkillsFuture credits or obtain financial support from the National Silver Academy and Union Training Assistance Programme.

For any enquiries about short courses for adults by the CLE, email cle@nafa.edu.sg.

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts is at 80 Bencoolen Street.
6512 1388 | cle@nafa.edu.sg
nafa.edu.sg

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