Revel in art, music, street food and design at this inaugural dawn-to-dusk fiesta at the National Gallery Singapore this November and December
Come one, come all! Singapore’s grand dame of local and Southeast Asian modern art, National Gallery Singapore, is throwing an epic anniversary bash on its hallowed grounds. From 25-27 November and 2-4 December, the Gallery Light to Night Festival is bringing a mind-boggling array of over 60 programmes for both the young and old. Art lovers (or casual observers) will be privy to activities ranging from art tours and talks, to music performances, interactive installations, film screenings, and more. With extended hours ‘til 3am over the two weekends, we say skipping the bars for the arts has never been a better idea.
Local artists taking over public spaces
Join forces with the Organisation of Illustrators Council and create a collaborative sketch at Art Alive! – Draw With The Flow (3-4 December) or check out huge blocks of whimsical illustrations by artist collective the Band of Doodlers on the sidewalk outside the National Gallery and at the level 1 concourse. You can even go Insta-crazy under the Shimmering Treetops installation, which features suspended Swarovski crystals cascading down the Supreme Court Atrium terrace. There’s also a yarnbombing interpretation of Liu Kang’s iconic painting, Artist and Model at the Padang Atrium – you might even try your hand at creating art pieces using yarn.
A beginner’s guide to art, history and culture
Can’t seem to get through a museum visit without a case of information overload? Art is now an easier subject to comprehend, thanks to the Gallery, which is offering free and ticketed guided excursions covering exhibitions such as the Artist and Empire Family Tour (25 November and 2 December) and a late-night tour of its galleries during the weekends of the festival. Better yet, admission to all gallery exhibitions are free on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 25-27 November and 2-4 December!
At Art Conversations (26-27 November and 3-4 December), sign up for free guided tours at the DBS Singapore Gallery that’ll give visitors an authentic walk through Chinatown’s vibrant past, with sessions conducted in Hokkien and Cantonese. To register, email programmes@nationalgallery.sg with your name, preferred dialect and contact details.
Homegrown headliners raising the roof
With popular acts like singer-songwriter Charlie Lim , acapella group Budak Pantai and jazz crooner Nathan Hartono (best known for finishing second in Sing! China) taking the stage at the Padang Atrium, and a lineup of DJs and musicians playing from 11 am to 2.30am, the mood is ripe for an all-night revelry at the Gallery. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes, as salsa sessions take over the floor from 8pm to 11pm.
Film buffs will have a field day
Give Netflix a break and pop by the event’s curated line-up of arthouse pictures, short films and documentaries not typically shown at commercial cinemas here. Mull over Art Through Our Eyes (24 November), an anthology of short films inspired by the museum’s artworks or learn all about Cambodia’s denizens at The People of Angkor (3 December) and A River Changes Course (4 December). Check out a free screening of award-winning director Royston Tan’s Homecoming (26 November), a nostalgic film featuring the residents of Pulau Ubin, so pack your picnic mats and embark on a trip down memory lane at the Padang!
Eat, shop, repeat
What’s a festival without two of Singapore’s favourite pastimes? St. Andrew’s Road will be closed and setting up shop on the lot is a Festival Food Street, and an art and design market hawking hand-crafted wares from independent designers and makers.
This festival is organised by National Gallery Singapore, principle supporter National Arts Council, held in Civic District and major sponsor Lee Foundation.
National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957, p. 6271 7000. Admission is free.
This article is sponsored by National Gallery Singapore
