Both Sides, Now with ArtsWok Collaborative and Drama Box

Both Sides, Now is an arts-based community engagement project exploring the concepts of living well and leaving well. While dying is a natural part of life, it remains a topic many find difficult to discuss openly. ECCA proudly supported Both Sides, Now’s 4th run: Mengukir Harapan (2021-2022), which was specifically tailored for the Malay Muslim communities in Singapore.

Location:

Singapore

Period:

Nov 2021 - Nov 2023

Status:

Completed

Partner:

ArtsWok Collaborative is an arts-based community development organization in Singapore that recognizes the creativity and agency within individuals and communities to generate change. Drama Box is a socially-engaged theater company known for creating works that inspire dialogue, reflection and change.

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Photo by Both Sides, NowPhoto by Both Sides, Now
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Photo by Both Sides, NowPhoto by Both Sides, Now
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Photo by Both Sides, NowPhoto by Both Sides, Now
Photo by Both Sides, NowPhoto by Both Sides, Now
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Photo by Both Sides, NowPhoto by Both Sides, Now

Challenge

ChallengePhoto by Both Sides, NowPhoto by Both Sides, Now

In Singapore, discussions about death and end-of-life planning remain largely taboo, particularly within the Malay Muslim communities. Many individuals and families avoid these crucial conversations until they are faced with imminent decisions. According to a survey by the Lien Foundation and Nanyang Technological University, only 27% of Singaporeans have discussed their end-of-life preferences with their families, and just 18% have made advanced care plans. This avoidance can lead to uncertainty, stress, and disagreements among family members during critical moments, hindering the ability to ensure that one’s wishes are honored and respected at the end of life.

ChallengePhoto by Both Sides, NowPhoto by Both Sides, Now
ApproachPhoto by Both Sides, NowPhoto by Both Sides, Now

Approach

ApproachPhoto by Both Sides, NowPhoto by Both Sides, Now

Both Sides, Now: Living Well, Leaving Well is a program co-presented by ArtsWok Collaborative and Drama Box, dedicated to fostering open discussions about end-of-life matters through artistic practices.

By engaging individuals, families, and communities, Both Sides, Now empowers them to explore, express, and embody what living well and leaving well means on a personal and collective level. This approach encourages a gentle and meaningful exploration of death and dying, promoting understanding, acceptance, and proactive planning for dignified and respectful end-of-life experiences.

Its 4th run, Mengukir Harapan (2021-2022), focuses on engaging the Malay-Muslim communities with the theme of regrets: Lepaskan Sesalan, or letting go of regrets. This initiative, inspired by the communal spirit of ‘rewang’, aims to create a safe space for sharing stories and healing, featuring multidisciplinary artist Dahlia Osman and dance performance company P7:1SMA collaborating on themes of loss and healing. Programs like DJ Dukacita and Waktu invite audience participation in exploring these themes, while expert panel discussions delve into legal matters, palliative care, advance care planning, and personal reflections. Lepaskan Sesalan continues to provide a vital space for connection and hope, encouraging participants to confront and release regrets for a life lived and left well.

Outcomes

0+ Individuals

Engaged through two public engagements (Kata-Kata Kita and Lepaskan Sesalan)

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0Volunteers

Trained to engage the community

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0% Participants

Had better understanding of end-of-life issues after participation

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0% Participants

Indicated intent to follow up on the end-of-life decisions after participation

Both Sides, Now, has taken on a new form as ArtsWok Collaborative’s flagship program, centered on arts and asset-based community development. They specialize in workshops on end-of-life communication tailored for care staff, practitioners, and the public. Stay tuned for upcoming events or reach out to ArtsWok to engage in these vital conversations!

In Their Own Words

Death and dying is a common experience for all, yet it remains a taboo topic in many cultures. Not only has Both Sides, Now: Mengukir Harapan has been a success in surfacing some of these otherwise hidden stories and conversations, it has also brought together a wider community of people in Singapore who are now connected through the shared experience and understanding of the importance of end-of-life conversations.

- Christian Algot Enevoldsen
Founder and Chairman, ECCA Family Foundation

Thinking about the process of preparing for your death and preparing others for your death have definitely opened up my mind. Things like financial and medical planning may seem like wordly things, it doesn’t seem like preparing for your afterlife, but then it involves preparing other people around you.

- Of Life & Legacy
workshop participant

The exhibition got me thinking about how a family can be healed through this process and how these adverse childhood experiences have impacted their faith, worldviews, self-worth, and everything and anything. I became more energized and empowered that this is another powerful tool to help my students, the women, and the families I am helping.

-Of Life & Legacy
workshop participant