Someone wise once said that creativity is a process, not an event. As an artist, it’s a never-ending journey of trial and error to refine one’s talents and skills. But more often than not, you’ll find obstacles hindering growth and progress. Here’s where the comma Creative Arts Festival 2024 comes in.
Named after the punctuation mark that signifies continuation, this festival is pumped with programmes for anyone who appreciates different forms of art, especially budding artists.
Happening from 12th-28th January, you’ll be challenged to think outside the box and beyond through exhibitions, panel discussions, and workshops across. And this isn’t just for one type of artist – the festival is open to different genres like dance, music, visual arts, and interdisciplinary arts. Here’s what you can expect:
Image credit: *SCAPE
Think festivals and music will be one of the first things to come to mind. comma is no exception, with its 2024 edition of the 2-day Music Day Out. Here’s where you can catch a motley crew of rising Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists. Ones to look out for include local all-girl rock band Fuse, and punk rockers No Good from Malaysia.
Panel discussion from the last edition of Music Day Out.
Image credit: *SCAPE
But it’s not just about rocking out to headbangers all day long. Music Day Out 2024 is also a place for budding musical creatives to network and hear from other trailblazers. Drop by these sharing sessions that will discuss topics like what touring life is like, and even what it means to be a practising artist.
Music Day Out 2024
Admission:
Showcase: $30/pax (1-day pass) | $40/pax (2-day pass)
Sharing sessions: Free, with registration
Dates: 13th-14th January 2024
Time: Timing may vary – refer to comma website for more details
Venue: Various locations
Contact: Music Day Out 2024
Of course, as a festival that celebrates the expression of creativity, it’s not just music performances you’ll be able to catch.
Anyone who’s ever walked past *SCAPE would have come across the many youths who’ve made this place their practice grounds for dance. It’s no surprise then that this will be where you’ll see dancers showcasing their best moves as well.
Image credit: *SCAPE
You’ve likely heard the energetic strains of K-Pop at these pop-up dance practices. If you’ve ever wanted to join in the fun, now’s your chance at the K-pop Random Play Dance session.
Pay close attention to the medley of K-Pop hits that’ll be playing over the speaker. If you recognise the track, jump on in and show off your moves. It’s a great chance to bond with fellow fans and dancers who love nailing complex dance choreo.
Image credit: *SCAPE
Then, putting a spotlight on Singapore’s street dance scene is HOMEGROUND 2024. It’s a production by 11 dance crews showcasing original choreographies, and where you’ll witness 14 local dance artists break it down during the Exhibition Battle. The evening will then end off with a block party, where everyone’s invited to show off their best moves.
Image credit: *SCAPE
There’s also the World Supremacy Battlegrounds Asia, a dance competition that pits teams of diverse backgrounds against each other, as they vie for the title of champions.
K-pop Random Play Dance
Admission: Free
Date: 12th January 2024
Time: 7pm-10pm
Venue: Festival Village @ *SCAPE Playspace
HOMEGROUND 2024
Admission: Free, with registration
Date: 27th January 2024
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: *SCAPE The Ground Theatre, Level 2
Contact: HOMEGROUND 2024 website
World Supremacy Battlegrounds Asia
Admission: Free, with registration
Date: 26th-28th January 2024
Time: Timing may vary – refer to comma website for more details
Venue: *SCAPE The Ground Theatre, Level 2
Contact: World Supremacy Battlegrounds Asia website
The Uncontained Collective: The Out-of-Box Zone
Admission: Free
Dates: 12th-14th, 19th-21st, 26th-28th January 2024
Time: 5pm-10pm
Venue: Container @ *SCAPE Playspace
Even if you don’t count yourself as the creative sort, there’s still loads to do at comma. For one, there’s the Festival Village @ *SCAPE Playspace. Think of this as a congregating space for festival goers. No Singaporean can give up a good bargain or good food for that matter and there’s plenty of both here.
Look out for The Uncontained Collective: The Out-of-Box Zone at the Festival Village. It’ll be where Krump interest group Roar City Grounds will be introducing the urban dance style to the public. Take a backseat and watch them perform, or join in on their workshops if you’re looking to give your dance skills a boost.
There will also be entrepreneurial startups that will be around to provide info on turning passion into a business.
There’s The Ubuntu Space, for young ones looking for mentors who can guide them in perfecting their craft. Work with a series of coaches who use unorthodox methods like LEGO play and meditative tea rituals to unclog creator’s block and even unlock artistic potential.
Keep your eyes peeled too for the marketplace where you’ll find thrift shops peddling vintage clothing. There’ll be no mistaking the delicious smells coming from the many food vendors around.
Image adapted from: @quicksg via Instagram
Have a picnic with your friends with snacks like corn dogs and potato twists from QuickySG, as well as crispy vadai and pani puri from SK Queen. You know the drill – bring friends so you can save as much tummy space to try as many goodies as possible. Grab a seat at the chill out areas and have yourself a picnic.
The festival village is a vibe and a half as well for those looking to update their profile pics. Walk around and you’ll come across IG-worthy backdrops in the form of graffiti on walls and colourful tapestries.
If it hasn’t been made clear by now, comma is the place to be if you consider yourself a creative being. But beyond just expression, comma wants to encourage budding artists to develop the entrepreneurial side of things as well. This means growing a possible career out of your artistry.
Whether you’re someone who lives, eats, and breathes creativity, or someone just figuring out how to express themselves, come on down to comma Creative Arts Festival 2024. You might just find your newest passion or grow an existing one into a lucrative professional career.
This post was brought to you by National Youth Council and *SCAPE.
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