With HDB flats all wreathed in the red and white of our flag, the National Day vibes are in full force as we head into August’s beginnings. But, if you’re looking for something to do this long weekend, swing by any one of Moving HeARTs in the City’s roving art exhibitions, as they’ll be exhibiting exclusive art pieces by inmates and ex-offenders at 8 different locations throughout the month.
From bustling live music performances to DIY art workshops over the weekends, here’s what you can expect from this family-friendly spectacle on wheels.
Moving HeARTs in the City 2024 is an event organised by the Singapore Prison Services (SPS) and Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG). It is a 5-week art exhibition which takes the form of a roving truck, and will be stationed in various locations around Singapore. The event also coincides with YRSG’s 20th anniversary and is open to the public, which means entry is free for all.
Moving HeARTs in the City 2024 runs from 1st August to 1st September 2024. It aims to showcase the artistic talents of inmates and ex-offenders, showing their multifaceted nature as valued members of society.
The exhibition is already on the move, as it paid a visit to Ang Mo Kio Public Library and Gardens by the Bay in the past week. Visitors can catch the art exhibition at these upcoming dates and locations:
| Date & Time | Location |
| 8th August, 11am-7pm | Jurong Regional Library |
| 10th August, 4pm-9pm | National Day Heartland Celebrations 2024 @ Central Singapore (Bishan) |
| 11th August, 11am-7pm | One Holland Village |
| 17th-18th August, 11am-7pm | Bugis+ |
| 24th-25th August, 11am-7pm | Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre |
| 1st September, 8am-2pm | Yellow Ribbon Prison Run End Point Carnival @ Changi Prison Complex |
For visitors heading down on weekends, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in activities like live music performances, DIY art workshops, and win some exclusive collateral by taking part in their social media contests.
Throughout the month of August, the Moving HeARTs in the City art exhibition can be found roaming the streets of Singapore. You’ll be able to spot it making its rounds at malls like One Holland Village and Bugis+, as well as heartland locations like Bishan and Jurong.
Regardless of which location you drop by, the event promises a slew of hands-on activities, so bookmark a weekend and bring the entire fam for some wholesome fun. For starters, there’ll be over 40 pieces of art on display to marvel at, all created from the masterful hands of inmates and ex-offenders.
Visitors are able to “adopt” the artwork featured at the exhibition and on the Moving HeARTs in the City online catalogue. Prices start from just $52, and your money will go towards the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which supports rehabilitation programmes for inmates and ex-offenders to aid their reintegration into society and their families.
If these masterpieces have sparked inspiration within, opt in for the on-site DIY art workshops. Some of the workshops are even conducted by residents from the Green Haven Halfway House. These include decoupage workshops happening on 17th-18th August 2024 at Bugis+.
Alternatively, you can take part in an acrylic keychain and canvas pouch painting workshop for activations at Bishan, One Holland Village, Suntec City, and Changi Prison Complex. At the end of each workshop, you’ll get to bring home your creations as a sweet memento, so feel free to let your creative juices run wild.
For those whose voices haven’t gone hoarse from belting National Day songs on Singapore’s big day, join in for the “Sing-A-Song” sessions.
Lucky singers might even get featured in a video which will play at the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run end point carnival happening on the 1st September 2024. It’s a carnival held after the annual Yellow Prison Run, so you might as well check it out for food booths and even more festivities if you’re dropping by for September’s exhibition.
When your impromptu karaoke sesh comes to an end, tune in to the live music performances by the Yellow Ribbon Performing Arts Centre (PAC) Alumni Band. The talented ensemble comprises former inmates with a burning passion for music, so keep an eye and ear out for their electrifying acts.
Undoubtedly, inclusivity is the name of the game at Moving HeARTs in the City 2024. If you’re still looking for things to fill out the upcoming long weekend with, then this one could be right up your alley. Even if you can’t catch it this week, there are plenty of chances to stop by its other locations in the following weeks.
Besides, the positive vibes are aplenty in the spirit of National Day, so swing by for a good cause if you’ve got the time to spare.
This post was brought to you by Singapore Prison Services & Yellow Ribbon Singapore.
Photography by Alastair Pang.
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