Here’s what to do at one of the biggest arts events of the year – film, exhibitions, concerts, installations and more
We’ve barely broken into 2017, but one of the biggest arts events of the year is already upon us. Appeasing artsy folks and culture vultures islandwide is the fifth edition of the Singapore Art Week, that livens up numerous venues with exhibitions, installations, performances, film events and many more. Keep your head screwed on and don’t panic; we’ve listed out seven attractions you must catch.
Art After Dark
The pop-up, multi-disciplinary festival at Gillman Barracks returns with another shindig for the senses. Aside from art gallery openings and food stalls galore, expect gigs from the music scene’s cream of the crop – past lineups have included acts like iNCH, JAWN, and Vandetta.
13 January, Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937. More information here.
State Of Motion
With a 2017 theme titled “Through Stranger Eyes”, the film festival offers a blast from the past with old movies shot in Singapore, spanning decades from the ’60s to the ’80s. These film relics, directed by foreign filmmakers, depict a nascent, post-independence Singapore that many today will be surprised to lay eyes on.
6 January – 5 February, The Plaza at National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064. More information here.
ARTWALK Little India
Embark on a walking trail through one of Singapore’s most iconic cultural districts, as stories and traditional folktales of the vibrant precinct come alive through vivid wall murals by local artists and art installations. Not to mention, expressive storytelling sessions and exciting performances that’ll leave you breathless.
12-17 January, at various locations within Little India. More information here.
Aliwal Urban Arts Festival
The streets are coming alive once more at one of Singapore’s buzziest arts and heritage districts, Kampong Glam, with a festival boasting urban art, yoga, skating, and lots of live, local music. Explore while embracing the saccharine synth-pop of Disco Hue, the gritty noir-rock of TOMGIRL, the chugging alt-rock of Forests, and liquid-smooth hip-hop of superband, Ant-Men.
14 January, Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918. More information here.
Art Stage Singapore
Happening within one of Singapore’s most iconic buildings – Marina Bay Sands – the Asia-focused art fair unites adroit visionaries from 27 countries, spread across a whopping 132 galleries. You’ll wanna take your time with this one.
12-15 January, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956. More information here.
Contemporary Printmaking Festival
Ever wanted to try your hand on silkscreen prints, or have no idea how intaglio printing is done? Featuring 20 artists and printmakers, this eye-opening event hopes to inspire with workshops and live demonstrations open to the general public. Looking for a new skill to kick off 2017?
11-22 January, Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore 178905. More information here.
Singapore Biennale
Singapore Art Week is also the best time to check out one of Singapore’s most prestigious and renowned arts events. The Singapore Biennale has been open since last November, but with a programme this big, we won’t fault you if you haven’t caught everything yet.
20 November – 26 February, at various locations. More information here.