Arts in Your Neighbourhood 2019
Photo adapted from: National Arts Council
It may have once been regarded as an ulu district, but Punggol now thrives with additions like Waterway Point and Insta-worthy landmarks like Coney Island. Beyond these bustling neighbourhood spots, there are also tons of hidden gems and activities worth exploring.
From a photo treasure hunt to an epic five stones competition, here are some highlights to check out in Punggol throughout the month of November 2019.
1. Scout for giant inflatable five stones
Image credit: National Arts Council
For most Singaporeans, five stones is a game we frequently played as kids. If you’re feeling nostalgic at the thought of it, you’re about to get a #throwback – literally a huge one – when you visit Punggol’s Oasis Terraces this month.
Titled Five Stones, this art installation comprises massive 3-metre tall inflatable five stones scattered around the area.
Image credit: National Arts Council
Other than snapping a picture with gigantic five stones for the ‘gram, join the community events that’ll be held on 17th & 24th November 2019. Take part in a Toss Stone Championship to see if you still have the skill – just form a team of 4 with your kakis and enjoy some friendly competition for old times’ sake.
There’ll also be a live painting session with the installation artist Twardzik Ching Chor Leng, where you’ll get to contribute to painting one of her 3-metre-tall five stones. Alternatively, there’ll be a booth where you can customise your own five stones set or learn how to craft stylish five stones-inspired trinkets to show off to your friends.
Five Stones Public Art Installation
Venues: Oasis Terraces (rooftop) and Punggol Waterway Park (outside Oasis Terraces)
Date: 7th – 24th November 2019
Admission: Free
Toss Stone Championship, live painting & five stones crafts
Address: Oasis Terraces (Community Plaza), 681 Punggol Dr, Singapore 820681
Date: 17th & 24th November 2019
Time: 3PM-7PM
Admission: Free. Sign up here.
2. Check out new rainbow playgrounds and live performances
Image credit: National Arts Council
Instead of an ordinary day at your regular neighbourhood playground, surprise the little ones with interactive playground games in Punggol. This event titled Dottie’s Adventure* includes theatrical activities that’ll bring your kids through rainbow playgrounds, where kids can kope little rewards as they go through different levels.
Families can get in on the fun with a live theatre performance of Dottie And Friends, a performance filled with music, dance and colourful props that’ll entertain the kids. The show is centred around a quest to find main character Dottie’s missing polka dots, so you can bet it’s going to be pretty interactive!
*Dottie’s Adventure comes in a package of 2 events at 2 separate venues. Choose between Option A and B to secure a spot.
A Rainbow Odyssey – Dottie’s Adventure
Option A: 16th November 2019 (Punggol Breeze Park) & 23rd November 2019 (Jurong Lake Gardens)
Option B: 17th November 2019 (Punggol Breeze Park) & 24th November 2019 (Jurong Lake Gardens)
Time: 9AM-12PM
Admission: Free.
*Transport will be provided between Punggol & Jurong on the event dates.
A Rainbow Odyssey – Dottie And Friends
Address: Oasis Terraces (Community Plaza), 681 Punggol Dr, Singapore 820681
Date: 23rd & 24th November 2019
Time: 6.30PM
Admission: Free. No registration required.
3. Follow footprints that form dance trails
Image credit: National Arts Council
Follow a footprint trail that’ll take you through Punggol Plaza and the surrounding HDB blocks. You’ll notice that these printed footprints form an unusual pattern that subtly makes you do some fancy footwork. Head here on 10th November 2019 and you’ll be able to catch pop-up performances by dancers of various genres, as they take their own spin on these footprints.
Every Little Step I Take – Dance Trail
Address: Punggol Plaza, 168 Punggol Field, Singapore 820168
Date: 7th – 24th November 2019
Admission: Free
Every Little Step I Take – Pop-up Performances
Address: Punggol Plaza, 168 Punggol Field, Singapore 820168
Date: 10th November 2019
Time: 4PM & 5PM
Admission: Free
4. Catch a family-friendly interactive jazz performance
Image credit: National Arts Council
If you’re looking to introduce your child to different types of music, head for a Jazz for Kids – Hello Humpty! performance.
Presented by music specialists from Hummingbird Music, this interactive performance will have your kids bopping along to jazz tracks while performers use cute props to entertain them. This programme is specially curated for kids aged 4 and above.
Jazz for Kids, Oasis Terraces show
Address: 681 Punggol Dr, Singapore 820681
Date: 16th November 2019
Time: 5PM
Admission: Free
Jazz for Kids, SAFRA Punggol show
Address: 9 Sentul Crescent, Singapore 828654
Date: 17th November 2019
Time: 5PM
Admission: Free
5. Spot artworks around the neighbourhood
Image credit: National Arts Council
For those with inquisitive kiddos, take a stroll around Punggol to check out unique artworks that incorporate data like UV and sound levels collected from the neighbourhood. Titled Sensing Punggol, the sculptures will also detail life stories of Punggol residents.
This art series will first make an appearance at SAFRA Punggol before moving to Oasis Terraces. They’ll also be accessible at all times of the day, so feel free to take a close-up look when you’re in the area.
Sensing Punggol, SAFRA Punggol (Atrium)
Address: 9 Sentul Crescent, Singapore 828654
Date: 7th – 10th November 2019
Admission: Free
Sensing Punggol, Oasis Terraces (Community Plaza)
Address: 681 Punggol Dr, Singapore 820681
Date: 15th – 24th November 2019
Admission: Free
6. Go on a photo treasure hunt
Image credit: National Arts Council
From 7th – 24th November 2019, look out for Gachapon machines at Punggol Plaza, SAFRA Punggol, and Oasis Terraces for limited edition photo frames, keychains and pins. These trinkets have been specially crafted by artists Tan Li Ling and Victoria Lim.
These are all part of We Are Punggol Explorers, which is a community project that encourages both locals and visitors to snap creative pics with landmarks of the ‘hood like Punggol Jewel Bridge, Coney Island, and local prawn farms.
Image credit: National Arts Council
Don’t shy away from doodling on the photo frames to make your photos pop. You even stand a chance to win an exclusive Arts In Your Neighbourhood goodie bag by posting pictures with at least 3 photo frame designs on Instagram. Don’t forget to set your profile to public and use the hashtag #ArtsInYourNeighbourhood and #WeArePunggolExplorers.
We Are Punggol Explorers
Venues:
Punggol Plaza, 168 Punggol Field, Singapore 820168
SAFRA Punggol (Atrium), 9 Sentul Crescent, Singapore 828654
Oasis Terraces (Indoor Atrium), 681 Punggol Dr, Singapore 820681
Date: 7th – 24th November 2019
Admission: Free
7. Search for hidden poetry on the sidewalk
For curious cats who love mystery-solving, head to Waterway Point to suss out a trail of clues that’ll lead you to hidden messages on the pavement.
Singapore Poetry on the Sidewalks (S.P.O.T) showcases a street art installation comprising excerpts of Singapore literature and poetry that only unravels itself when in contact with water. Created using hydrophobic paint, these poems will unveil the story of how Punggol came to be.
Look out for the poems when it’s raining
Image credit: National Arts Council
The project also includes a series of Live 3-D Chalk Drawing sessions, where you’ll get to join artist Imran Mohamed Ishak to create illustrations inspired by the poems.
Singapore Poetry on the Sidewalks
Address: Punggol Waterway Park, Sentul Crescent, Singapore 821313
Date: 7th – 24th November 2019
Admission: Free
Live 3-D Chalk Drawing
Address: Punggol Waterway Park, Sentul Crescent, Singapore 821313
Date: 9th, 16th & 23rd November 2019
Time: 5PM-6.30PM
Admission: Free
8. Tune in to live music performances
Vibrant family-friendly musical performances will be taking over Punggol this November too. Expect theatrical and modernised Chinese orchestras, as well as interactive classical music in the neighbourhood. Stay tuned to these:
Fun With Music – A Trip to the Zoo!
Image credit: The Philharmonic Winds
Bring your kids for Fun With Music – A Trip to the Zoo! – an original performance by local orchestra The Philharmonic Winds. Built around the story of a kid being teleported into an animal-filled dream after dozing off at the zoo, this interactive music performance will showcase the unique characteristics of the different wind instruments.
Fun With Music – A Trip To The Zoo!
Address: Oasis Terraces, 681 Punggol Dr, Singapore 820681
Date: 17th November 2019
Time: 6PM
Admission: Free
The Music of Martial Arts
Image credit: National Arts Council
Presented by wind-percussion band Reverberance, The Music of Martial Arts is a mix of fight songs that’ll be accompanied by live martial art performances. You’ll get a theatrical performance of Tai Chi and Silat that can get pretty intense, almost like a dramatic fight scene in a martial arts movie.
The Music of Martial Arts
Address: Oasis Terraces (Community Plaza), 681 Punggol Dr, Singapore 820681
Date: 24th November 2019
Time: 5PM
Admission: Free
The World of Teochew Music
Image credit: Nam Hwa Opera
Teochew music is pretty rare today, but it’s been given a fun update at The World of Teochew Music with puppetry. The audience will be surrounded by 5 mini theatres, where miniature puppets will accompany the music by acting out scenes.
The World of Teochew Music
Address: Oasis Terraces (Community Plaza), 681 Punggol Dr, Singapore 820681
Date: 23rd November 2019
Time: 5PM
Admission: Free
9. Catch a show inspired by 7 iconic Punggol landmarks
The band has performed in several festivals around the world.
Image credit: @brahmastrasg
For performance arts enthusiasts, local ensemble Brahmastra will be performing 7 Wonders of Punggol on 10th & 16th November 2019. This show will feature a mix of music, poetry and puppetry that’ll introduce kids to Punggol’s most popular landmarks like Coney Island Park, My Waterway Heritage Trail and the HDBs of Punggol.
7 Wonders of Punggol, Punggol Plaza
Address: 168 Punggol Field, Singapore 820168
Date: 10th November 2019
Time: 7PM
Admission: Free
7 Wonders of Punggol, SAFRA Punggol
Address: 9 Sentul Crescent, Singapore 828654
Date: 16th November 2019
Time: 5PM
Admission: Free
Explore Punggol with Arts in Your Neighbourhood
From rare sightings of giant five stones to dancing through blocks of HDBs, there’ll be a plethora of free activities to choose from happening this November 2019 at Punggol. Specially curated by the National Arts Council, Arts In Your Neighbourhood (AYN) is a line-up of interactive programmes that friends and family can come together to enjoy.
Limited edition Punggol tote bags are also up for grabs! Just snap a picture of any AYN posters and you’ll be able to redeem them – while stocks last – at any of the AYN events above. You’ll be able to find the posters at Punggol Plaza, SAFRA Punggol, Oasis Terraces and Social Innovation Park.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend’s worth of artsy ventures with your friends, or events to keep the kiddos entertained, AYN has you covered. RSVP to their Facebook event to get started!
Find out more about Arts In Your Neighbourhood here
This post was brought to you by National Arts Council.