Singapore Art Week (SAW) – that anticipated time of the year where art takes over our city in the forms of interactive exhibitions, instagrammable installations and creative activities. For its ninth run this year, not only will we get to enjoy art islandwide, there will also be a slew of online experiences like craft workshops and live streamed talks.
Mark your calendars for nine days from 22nd – 30th January 2021, with a solid lineup of over 100 art events happening all around Singapore. To get you started, here are five things to look forward to:
Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board
The Light to Night Festival is undoubtedly one of the highlights of SAW – it never fails to impress with mesmerising light shows to enjoy in the heart of the city. Expect to see the annual art projection on the facade of monuments like the National Gallery – which will feature images created by artists, illustrators and multimedia designers.
What’s more, you can also enjoy workshops on art techniques like urban sketching and selfie portrait caricature, as well as craft activities like pot making for aspiring plant parents.
Apart from workshops, look forward to live music that will be happening both IRL and online, featuring local acts like lewloh and Intriguant.
Date: 22nd – 31st Jan 2021
Venues: National Gallery, Asian Civilisations Museum, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Find out more about Light to Night Festival.
Image credit: Magali Duzant
If you enjoy dystopian-themed shows like Alice in Borderland and Black Mirror, be sure to check out The Hours After – a night-time art gallery experience set in a post-apocalypse environment. You’ll begin your adventure at Gillman Barracks, and be led to mystery locations islandwide where you’ll explore other neighbourhoods and access exclusive digital content.
Through the real life adventure around Singapore, you’ll encounter an art treasure hunt, see thought-provoking installations, sound pieces, videos and time-limited online works that have been inspired by how the pandemic has dislocated our previously routined lives.
Date: 22nd – 28th Jan 2021
Address: Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Block 6 #02-09, Singapore 108937
Time: 6PM-11.59PM, Daily
Price: Free
Find out more about The Hours After.
Image credit: SCCC
You might have been to a drive-in cinema or McDonald’s drive-thru, but a drive-through exhibition is probably unheard of. That’s because the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) will be holding Asia’s very first one, titled Moo Moo Park.
From 22nd January to 28th March 2021, SCCC’s carpark will be filled with 3D installation art, selfie filters and augmented reality murals. The best part is you get to drive through the gallery on an electric car that will be provided on-site, but those on foot can also enjoy the experience with a half-priced ticket.
Date: 22nd Jan – 28th Mar 2021
Address: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, 1 Straits Boulevard, #11-01, Singapore 018906
Opening hours: 12PM-10PM, Daily
Price: $10 (drive-through), $5 (walk-through)
Get tickets to Moo Moo Park.
Image credit: @wildcritterssg
Whether you enjoy catching ‘em all on Pokemon Go or playing hide and seek, Wild Critters by Phunk at Gillman Barracks offers a similar kind of fun. Based on the concept of endangered animals, five local artists and art collectives like ClogTwo and Machineeast have created their very own rare, quirky creatures that are hidden around the venue in different habitats.
The challenge here is to use an Instagram AR filter to find and capture the creatures. Parents with little ones can bring them along to complete the task together, or you can jio your squad and share your adventure on your Instagram stories!
Date: 22nd – 30th Jan 2021
Address: Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
Opening hours: 24 Hours, Daily
Price: Free
Find out more about Wild Critters.
Art might be usually found in museums and galleries, but during Singapore Art Week, you’ll get to enjoy them practically everywhere. That includes your daily commute. Along the entire East-West route of bus 175, you’ll get to see art installations at each bus stop along the way as part of the Bus.Stop.Art exhibition.
The route starts at Geylang Bahru, goes through the central area past landmarks like Bugis Cube and YMCA Orchard Road, and ends at Alexandra Road. The artworks along the way are created by 10 Singapore-based artists, which you can explore on your own with this map, or go on curated tours that are completely free.
If you prefer exploring from the comfort of home, you can also attend meet-the-artists sessions online, as well as participate in activities with downloadable materials.
Date: 21st Jan – 3rd Feb 2021
Venue: Bus stops along route 175
Price: Free
Find out more about Bus.stop.art.
Image credit: @sgartweek
Beyond these five events, there are over 100 more for you to explore over the nine days of SAW. For instance, signature events like S.E.A. Focus 2021 will be showcasing contemporary artworks by artists from Southeast Asia, while ARTWALK Little India immerses visitors in the rich heritage of the cultural precinct.
Also check out new events like The Incredible Magical Moving Sticker Exhibition that features funky stickers submitted by budding artists in Singapore and Inner like the OutAr – a unique art installation that uses augmented reality to let you experience nature through curated scents, sounds and textures.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a refreshing date idea to impress your SO, you’ll find something that’s up your alley at Singapore Art Week 2021.
This post was brought to you by the Singapore Tourism Board.
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from top-left): @wildcritterssg, @sgartweek, Artweek.sg, Singapore Tourism Board
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