Senisini Is The Art Club Where Everyone’s Invited – Artist Or Not

The arts industry has a reputation for gatekeeping and it’s seldom a welcoming space for those who aren’t from the scene, says Iffah Syafiqah. The 25‑year‑old isn’t an artist – in fact, she works as a commercial analyst.

While studying business and psychology in London as an undergraduate though, the hobbyist film‑maker came across and fell in love with arts and crafts clubs that welcomed just about anyone interested to take part and pick up a new cultural activity, regardless of experience and skills. And when she returned home to Singapore last year and found a dearth of similar platforms, she did what any passionate, community‑minded Gen Zer would do: start her own.

Launched in August 2024, Senisini organises open‑to‑all pop‑up events that aim to make the arts more accessible, especially to youths here. Its name is Malay for “art here” and usually, all one has to do to join in its diverse range of workshops and meet‑ups is to hit the registration link in its Instagram bio (the account handle is @seni.sini).

The first event was an arts club organised for the teens from Muhammadiyah Welfare Home, a local charity that provides guidance, support and even 24/7 residential care for boys aged 10 to 19 who are juvenile offenders, under the Family Guidance Order, homeless, neglected or abused. During that session, Iffah and her team – comprising 13 other volunteers who hail from different fields in the creative industry and are all contributing to Senisini pro bono – taught participants how to draw and, more importantly, how to have fun while doing so.

Throughout Senisini’s endeavours (there have been 15 events to date), it’s not uncommon for the team to hear participants comment that they’re “bad” at art, says Iffah, and this is ultimately what Senisini wants to change. Its ethos: instead of having to be polished or perfect, art should simply be seen as a healthy avenue for self‑expression.

That first arts club held jointly with Muhammadiyah Welfare Home has since expanded into an ongoing partnership. And at the point of writing, Senisini was in the middle of a residency in a shophouse on Sultan Gate as part of the 2025 Gemilang Kampong Gelam festival, organised by the One Kampong Gelam association from Feb 19 to March 25 as part of this year’s Ramadan celebrations. On the programme: workshops on various topics, including appreciating Islamic arts, as well as showcases by influential creatives, such as the lauded singer Aisyah Aziz, about their work.

Everything under Senisini so far has been self‑funded by Iffah – she considers it her way of paying things forward, having been fortunate to have grown up in a home where she was encouraged to explore her artistic side, as well as to have been able to study overseas. “Not everyone has that privilege,” she says. “I just want Senisini to be a democratising platform where people who’ve always wanted to try their hand at the arts, but were held back for whatever reasons, can find a safe space to do just that.”

That said, Iffah is cognisant that such a model can’t run indefinitely and is exploring more partnerships to ensure that Senisini remains sustainable not just for herself, but also all of its participants and supporters. She also has plans to take things to the next level with Senistudio, an initiative that will see Senisini function as a creative agency of sorts and that’s in the works. “We’re working hard for Senisini to be a platform for young artists and creatives, connecting them with the right people and opportunities to push them towards their creative and artistic journeys,” she says. Now where do we sign up to chip in?

Below, participants and volunteers from past Senisini events share the works they’ve produced (yes, Iffah and team don’t just teach, but also join in the workshops too) and the impact the experiences had on them.

M. SHAHRUL HAZIQ, 21, MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER

“I took part as a volunteer in the first Senisini session at Muhammadiyah Welfare Home and it was a real humbling experience. Seeing how creativity gives the boys a voice and a sense of freedom was a powerful reminder of what art can do. It’s not just about making something – it’s about personal expression and forging connections. For them, art is more than creation. It’s a way to share their emotions and tell their stories.” 

SYAQILAH SUHAIMI, 26, CHILD LIFE ASSOCIATE

"My journey with Senisini started with me simply showing up for its very first art club. As I continued attending more sessions, I saw first‑hand how art can empower individuals, spark conversations and build community. The experience deeply resonated with me, and inspired me to join the core Senisini team and help shape Iffah’s vision. I’d like to contribute to creating more opportunities for others to experience the same freedom in artistic expression. There’s nothing quite like Senisini – where art feels truly accessible.”

KAIJA CAMPBELL, 23, TALENT BOOKER AND CURATOR

“Senisini events, to me, are gatherings where I know I’ll always leave feeling better than when I had arrived. I’m not a local and haven’t been in Singapore for long, yet Senisini has made me feel truly part of the community. We’re all here with the same passion: to express ourselves through art and encourage others to do the same, whether or not one considers oneself an artist!”

SHAHIRAH ARDIAN, 27, PROJECT COORDINATOR

"The safe space that Senisini provides through its art clubs brings out the child in me, a person who has always struggled to express emotions with words. Its events have given me the freedom to draw and express myself even if my drawings aren’t great.”

HAFIZAH KHALID, 28, MARKETING MANAGER

“Taking some time to play, experiment and create without any pressure or rules brings out my inner child. Senisini provides me respite outside of a reality in which I constantly have to meet expectations, and I love that I’m doing this together with many others too.”

JESSIE ARWEN PATTY, 20, STUDENT 

“The atmosphere at Senisini’s sessions are incredibly homey and welcoming. Events like these – where people come together out of a love to create art – are so rare and the fact that they’re free makes it even more amazing. I especially loved meeting Iffah. When she introduced herself and spoke about Senisini, she absolutely lit up – her warm smile and the intensity in her eyes making it clear how much this means to her. That was why I ended up drawing the sun – even if it turned out a little ugly. To me, Iffah embodies radiance and the event left me feeling like one of the dancing stars in my drawing here: hopeful and optimistic about the art scene in Singapore.”

ERNI ERYANI BTE ANUAR, 27, PRESCHOOL TEACHER

“Exploring Islamic art and tile painting through Senisini’s workshop was an enriching experience. The hands‑on painting gave me a new‑found appreciation for the artistry of the craft, and it was a meaningful and creative experience that I’ll always cherish!”

This article first appeared in the April 2025 Community Edition of FEMALE