History of  SOCA

After Singapore was established as a free port in the 19th century, it welcomed immigrants. Due to economic factors, many Chinese traveled across the sea to Nanyang to seek a livelihood. They worked tirelessly for their daily sustenance, and their spiritual emptiness was indescribable. A group of migrant artists, deeply aware of the cultural backwardness in Nanyang, aimed to continue Chinese culture in this "tropical wilderness" by promoting cultural activities and forming cultural organizations. This led to the establishment of an art society.

In early summer 1935, the Society of Chinese Artists was initiated by alumni from the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, Xinhua Academy of Fine Arts, and Shanghai Art University who were residing in Singapore. It was originally named the "Salon Art Research Society," and membership was restricted to alumni of these three academies. However, due to the small number of members, only a dozen or so, the society was not formally established. Later, the organization expanded, and on November 17 of the same year, a second meeting was held. The society was renamed the "Singapore Chinese Art Research Society," and membership grew to over 40 people, including members from Malaya, Indonesia, and Hong Kong.

During World War II, Singapore fell under Japanese occupation for three years and eight months. Many members, including the president and vice president, perished in screening processes. The society went into hiding and refused to serve the enemy. Members scattered, and archives were almost entirely destroyed, halting all activities. After Singapore’s liberation in 1946, the remaining local members reassembled, restructured the constitution, and renamed the society the Society of Chinese Artists, which has now endured for 80 years.