From Blank Walls to Beautiful Spaces
Adya, Grade 11
UWCSEA Dover
21 May 2025
Art has the power to brighten not just spaces, but spirits. This belief lies at the heart of a student-led mural initiative that’s bringing colour, creativity, and compassion into Singapore’s nursing homes.
Organised by Grade 11 student Adya Jain, the project brings together a team of student volunteers to design and paint murals in care facilities. Starting with two murals at the Red Cross Home for the Disabled, the initiative aims to transform blank walls into meaningful spaces that uplift residents, staff, and visitors.
Motivated by a desire to use art as a tool for social impact, Adya and the team focused on supporting the mental well-being of residents. The Red Cross Home’s Tranquillity Garden is designed as a space for residents to relax and connect with nature. To enhance the experience of walking to the garden, the team painted a nature-themed mural with butterflies along the hallway leading to it – hoping to make the journey itself soothing and inviting.
Recognising that many residents have limited mobility and spend most of their time indoors, the team created a second mural inside one of the wards. Also nature-themed, this mural features a more fluid design that brings the feeling of the outdoors into the space, offering a sense of calm and connection.
The mural designs were created in collaboration with the Magical Murals team, a College Service led by Mrs Danielle Solk, who supported the students through the design and painting process. The team included High School students Adya, Audrey, Christina, Coco, Emma, Emma, Katelyn, Kelly, and Sonia.
Looking ahead, Adya hopes to expand the project to more care homes and community spaces across Singapore, involving a broader group of students. By combining creativity with service, she hopes to continue using art to foster connection, brighten lives, and leave a lasting impact on the community.
