Free things to do in February 2020
Image adapted (clockwise from top left) from: Pip & Pop, National Gallery, Pip & Pop, Art of Elvira Byrnes
With V-Day just around the corner, you’re probably starting to see tons of romance-related activities pop up around your ‘hood. But instead of the annual dinner and movie tradition, switch things up and celebrate the month of love with unique experiences like creating your own paper and visiting an IG-worthy whimsical candy-inspired exhibition. Best of all, they’re free!Â
Whether you’re flying solo or with a plus 1, here are 6 artsy events to keep you entertained in February 2020:
1. Fill your IG feed with photos of a rainbow exhibition made of candy
A rainbow artwork by Australian artist Pip & Pop
Image credit: Pip & Pop
Add a splash of colour to your weekend with a whimsical rainbow artwork by Australian artist Pip & Pop who’s coming to Singapore with a surprise showcase. The pastel and neon hues will instantly catch the eye, but a closer look will reveal that they’re made of candy!Â
This exhibition is only on for a day, so be sure to whip out your phone and strike some poses for the ‘gram while you can.Â
Embrace the World x The Story of Karang Guni Boy
Image credit: National Gallery Singapore
You can also look forward to a nostalgic display that includes traditional games like Five Stones, mini cardboard displays, and even a lifesized sampan sculpture.Â
Gone are the days when we would hear karung guni uncles shouting with their horns blaring as they pass by our HDB blocks. But since last year, Gallery Children’s Biennale 2019: Embracing Wonder has been offering a glimpse into the past with Embrace the World x The Story of Karang Guni Boy – an interactive exhibition that you won’t want to miss.Â
Pip & Pop
Date: 22nd February 2020
Time: 10AM-7PM
Address: National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing, 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, Level 1, Singapore 178957
Website
Embrace The World X Karang Guni Boy
Date: Now till 29th March 2020
Time: 10AM-7PM
Address: National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing, 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, Level 1, Singapore 178957
Website
2. Admire our Garden City through a special series of 34 paintings
Image credit: Art of Elvira Byrnes
Unlike many cities that are considered concrete jungles, our Garden City is filled with nature’s touch everywhere we look. Based on several local landmarks like Botanic Gardens and orchid farms, artist Elvira Byrnes created an exhibition titled Sing-Nature that includes a 4-themed series of a whopping 34 paintings.Â
Image credit: Art of Elvira Byrnes
She also took inspiration from local florists and Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, a.k.a. our national flower.
Sing-Nature
Date: Now till 9th February 2020
Time: 10AM-10PM
Address: The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
Website
3. Witness a kinetic raft on the National Gallery’s rooftopÂ
Image credit: National Gallery Singapore
It’s not every day we get to see a raft, much less one that’s situated atop a building. For those dropping by National Gallery Singapore to admire their artworks this month, you’ll want to head up to the rooftop to see a kinetic raft sculpture for yourself.
Created based on a tale of a magical boat that ventured through space and sea, this lifesize sculpture even sways side to side with every passing breeze.
P.S. Feel free to snap photos of the sculpture from afar, but climbing aboard this raft is a big no-no!
Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Commission: Cao Fei
Date: Now till 25th October 2020
Time: 10AM-7PM
Address: National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing, Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden Gallery, 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Website
4. Romance your date with classical French tunes
Whether you’re a fan of contemporary music or previously took music lessons, chances are that you’ve heard of the renowned composer J. S. Bach. For fans of the Baroque musician, bask in familiar tunes of his – with an interesting French twist.
Plus, if your date is one who appreciates this music style, this romantic musical recital* is a sure way to impress ‘em.Â
VCHpresents: Organ, Français
Date: 24th February 2020
Time: 12.30PM
Address: Victoria Concert Hall, 9 Empress Place, Singapore 179556
Website
*Register for your seats at the website from 10th February 2020 onwards.
5. Explore blue-and-white China & create your own artwork
Image credit: Asian Civilisations Museum
[Update: 19th Feb 2020] Saturdays@ACM: Blue and White has been postponed to a later date.
If simply viewing gallery after gallery gets a little too mundane for you, Saturdays@ACM: Blue and White allows you to get hands-on by creating your own artwork based on their blue-and-white ceramic displays.Â
After learning about its backstory from China to across the world, you’ll get to draw inspiration for your very own hama bead coaster.
Saturdays@ACM: Blue and White
Date: 29th February 2020
Time: 1PM-5PM
Address: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
Website
6. End the month with a fun paper making workshop and live performances
Image credit: Asian Civilisations Museum
[Update: 19th Feb 2020] INKredible Weekend Festival has been postponed to a later date.
While most of us spend our mornings rushing to work, our ah mas and ah gongs are often found flexing their Tai Chi skills in parks around Singapore. On the opposite end of the spectrum, traditional martial art can also be nail-bitingly intense, and you’ll be able to catch a live performance of this during the INKredible Weekend Festival, which is bound to keep you at the edge of your seat.
There’ll also be an interactive live show based on the Chinese mythological Eight Immortals, as well as a workshop for you to make your own paper from coloured pulp.
INKredible Weekend Festival
Date: 28th February-1st March 2020
Time: Fri 7PM-9PM | Sat 1PM-9PM | Sun 1PM-5PM
Address: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
WebsiteÂ
Free arts activities in Singapore happening in February 2020
From a colourful exhibition made of candy to a romantic musical recital, Arts in the Civic District has an extensive line-up of free events for a jam-packed February 2020. Beyond live performances and museum exhibitions, there are also DIY workshops like paper-making that’s suitable for the little ones too.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a chill artsy weekend with your buds or hoping to switch up V-Day traditions with your boo, the Civic District is the place to be!
Find out more about February events at the Civic District here
This post was brought to you by National Arts Council.
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