Here are our top picks of walking tours, exhibitions, installations, and interactive activities that the whole family will enjoy!
Hello Singapore Art Week! Taking place from 16 – 24 January, the countdown is well and truly on until we can check out some of the hottest artsy exhibitions, screenings, tours, and galleries in town. Wondering what to do with the family while you’re indulging your inner aesthete? Why not bring them along to get involved in some of these smashing family-friendly events. Here are our top picks to ensure everyone gets their creative fix. And best of all, most of these activities are free!
Tanjong Goodman
This day-long art-fest features performances, video installations, short film screenings, and workshops across genres. Whether you’re five, or 85, this interactive tour for families will take you on a journey through the history of the Goodman Arts Centre. Also worth checking out is the Great Singapore Garage Sale, and the first ever Goodman mini farmer’s market – cute!
Main Festival 23 January, 10am – 6pm, Visual Arts Exhibition 23 January – 14 February, 10am – 6pm, free admission. Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Road, Singapore, 439053.
ENVISION: Sculptures @ the Garden City
This outdoor exhibition showcasing monumental sculptures is bound to impress both the philistines among us, and the kids who are bored of browsing galleries. Featuring 13 sets of sculptures by 11 Asian artists, take a guided tour around the three-dimensional displays and prepare to be wowed by the sheer size of these epic creations.
16 January – 15 April 2016, all day. Empress Place Lawn at the Asian Civilisations Museum, Clifford Square at Clifford Pier, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, The Fullerton Hotel and along Marina Bay Boulevard. Free Admission.
Public Art Walking Tour
The National Arts Council has been working hard to try and incorporate art into Singapore’s urban spaces. Check out the first three pieces to be commissioned that line the Jubilee Walk. Celebrating Singapore’s 50th Anniversary, these public artworks shine a light on the heritage and identity of our little red dot. The scenic walk through the Marina Bay area is suitable for all and sounds like a charming way to spend a leisurely morning. Don’t mind if we do…
16 and 23 January, 9 – 10.00am. Jubilee Walk Heritage Trail, Civic District. Spaces are now full for this art walk, to register for the waiting list please click here.
Art in Transit Tour: North-East Line
Who knew there was so much art right in front of our very eyes? Take this MRT tour riding from Dhoby Ghaut to Outram Park and hear how artists have been inspired by the local area to create the artwork that adorns the walls. Commuting just got cultural.
16, 17, 23, 24 January, 90 minute tours at 10am and 2pm each day, free admission.
Artwalk Little India
The legends of Hindu Gods and Goddesses will be brought to life along the lanes and alleyways of Little India. This multi-disciplinary showcase is set to be an artsy sensory overload; we’re talking a fusion of Indian and Western beats, storytelling, art, and exploration. This lively neighbourhood just took it up yet another notch.
19 – 23 January, all day, free admission.
Cannot be Bo(a)rdered
What do you get when you mix street culture with art? A visual exploration of youth rebellion through skateboarding – of course! Cannot be Bo(a)rdered is a live exhibition with an urban edge; sounds to us like it’s nailed an event that even the moodiest of teenagers would get out of bed for.
Cannot be Bo(a)rdered exhibition: 14 January – 14 February, 10am – 8pm, free admission. Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore, 19918.
Singapore Art Week at SAM
Unsurprisingly, SAM is pulling out all the stops to ensure an epic week of events for art lovers. Think talks and tours with international artists, roving performers, an art market, and awesome contemporary exhibitions. With plenty of interactive elements, SAM has ensured this week-long extravaganza is accessible to all.
15-24 January, Saturday – Thursday 10am – 7pm, Friday 10am – 9pm. Museum opens until 9pm on 15, 20, 21, 23 January and 10pm on 22 January. Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore, 189555.
SSS Wood Sculpture Symposium
Check out the work of distinguished Taiwanese sculptor, Shiau Jon Jen, at this interactive series of presentations, sharing sessions, workshops, and masterclasses that offer a contemporary take on man’s connection with nature. Using chainsaws, chisels, and saws to create impressive and intricate sculptures from large pieces of wood, this is bound to appeal to those who love a power tool.
21-25 January, 9am – 5pm, free admission; register at sculpturesociety.org.sg. Fort Canning Park, 70 River Valley Road, Singapore, 179037.
Rangoli Bangle-Dangle
Who doesn’t love a bangle? Explore traditional Rangoli art-making with Singaporean artist, Vijaya Mohan, who will indulge the crowds with several hands-on rangoli-making workshops. Culminating in a final exhibition of all completed art works, this sounds like fun to us; no doubt the kids will love it too!
Public workshops will be held on 23 and 24 January, 1pm – 6pm. Display of Rangoli Bangle-Dangle will be held on 23 and 24 January, 12pm – 8pm. Kallang Wave Mall, 1 Stadium Place.
Taman Jurong Art Trail
Lose yourself among the community-based and commissioned art works created by artists and residents of Taman Jurong. The self-guided map will lead you around the art trail with basic directions and fun facts to entertain.
16 – 24 January, all day, free admission. Taman Jurong Community Club, 1 Yung Sheng Road, Singapore, 618495.
Gillman Barracks
There’s so much going on at Gillman Barracks, we can barely keep up! Playeum are hosting two fun activities especially for the kiddies. First up is The Speed of Paint!; little ones can stand in a life-sized paint machine to customise their own T-shirt. Secondly, the Children’s Centre for Creativity provides a space for kids to experiment and create their own projects, or experience a light and technology installation. Sounds like it’s time to get messy!
Finally, check out the unique style of contemporary local street artist, ANTZ. This immersive installation uses light and shadow to bring everyday objects to life through the creative input of participants. It’s hands-on, it’s fun, and no doubt, the whole family will enjoy.
The Speed of Paint! 24 January, 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm. The Children’s Centre for Creativity, 24 January 10am – 6pm. Light + Shadow, 22 January, 8pm – 11pm, 23 and 24 Jan, 12pm – 6pm, free admission. Gillman Barracks, 47 Malan Road, #01-24, Singapore 109444.
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This article is sponsored by the National Arts Council
