FABRIC OF THE NATION : Background

FABRIC OF THE NATION : Background

The genesis of Fabric of The Nation (FOTN) is a three-part documentary series called Threads That Bind which MediaCorp News has produced for the Ministry of Community Development and Sports. Singapore had been through many crises in the last few years, such as the 911 incident, recession, culminating in the Sars crisis which bonded individuals, families and communities from all races, languages and religions. The series encapsulate the emotions and experiences of people who have survived these crises.

FOTN is inspired by the stories of these people. It is a project proposed by Channel NewsAsia to remember this moment in our history. It was conceived as a national activity to get people from all walks of life involved in the making of the country's first national tapestry. Stitch by stitch, patch by patch, each is a symbol of love and a gift of blessing to the country.

Each time we look at it, we remember that we are always one, amidst our diversities and differences. FOTN will also remain a perpetual icon of our resilience as a people who, at a most trying time in history, passed the test with flying colours.

15,000 blocks were received by the closing date, more than four times the number that was required for an original 8-panel tapestry. The present double-sided 12-panel on display is designed and sewn together by 200 volunteers, both local and foreign, in less than two weeks. Contributors whose blocks are not on these panels need not worry because the remaining blocks will be sewn together into additional panels which will be on display in six months' time, after the quilting is done on all the panels.

The uniqueness of FOTN is that no themes were given and yet, some obvious ones emerged naturally in the patches sent in by people. These themes were encapsulated beautifully by professional quilters, Ira Joseph and Brigitte Lee, in the 10 central blocks seen on 10 of the panels. These are :

- Heritage - Diversity - Hope - Strength - Racial Harmony - Togetherness - Community - Total Defence - Family - People