Hurrah: Singapore Art Week is coming up fast and it's set to be bigger, brighter and artier than ever. Here's how to ace it with the kids in tow...
We’ve been tracking down all the things to do in Singapore to help chase away the post-holiday blues (and kill time before Chinese New Year!). Good news: the annual highlight of January, Singapore Art Week, is back and it’s packed to the rafters with seriously cool arty stuff! It’s coming up on 19 January, and we’re literally spoilt for choice when it comes to exhibits, performances and events suitable for bringing the kids along to (it’s never too early to get them discovering a love for art, we say). This is one huge festival spanning two weeks until 27 January, but we’ve come up with a plan for you to help ace all the best bits for families. Voila: we give you our guide to Singapore Art Week…
Light to Night Festival 2019: Traces and Echoes
Oh, Light to Night festival, how we love thee. The Civic District has been transformed into a wonderland of lights and art – never has the area looked so pretty. The buildings around the Civic District will be transformed into art by the interactive Art Skins on Monument projections. Embark on the multi-sensorial art trail, Sensory Trail at the National Gallery and check out the audio-sensory installation Under the Five Trees at Esplanade Park. Plus, food and craft stalls will be set up at Art x Social for you to shop and dine while watching all the awesome unfold.
When: 18 January – 27 February, 10am – 12 midnight
Where: Civic District (National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall, and the Esplanade)
www.lighttonight.sg
Art Week at SAM
Head over to SAM at 8Q for two art-filled weekends and a host of kid-friendly activities. Get inspired by the works of emerging artists at the President’s Young Talents exhibition, attend talks, panels and live music sets. Pack a picnic for outdoor movie screenings, immersive VR and craft workshops as well as a community carnival with a life-sized board game and a theatre performance. Don’t forget to check out the art market to pick up some cool finds and pop into the museum (opening hours are extended to 10am-10pm on the two weekends, woo hoo!)
When: 18-20, 25-27 January
Where: Sam at 8Q, 8 Queen Street, Singapore 188535
www.singaporeartmuseum.sg
Of Gardens & Dreams
The guided tours may be all booked up but that shouldn’t stop you on embarking on an expedition to explore the art of Taman Jurong. Pick up a brochure or download a copy online and view the works of residents of Taman Jurong as well as artists.
When: ongoing
Where: Our Gallery at Taman Jurong
Cost: Free
www.shophouseandco.com
Art Walk Little India
One of Singapore’s most vibrant ‘hoods is laying on a treat for families where you’ll find wall murals, music and art performances, live storytelling and oodles of craft workshops for everyone… Yep: Little India, we’re talking about you and your Art Walk.
When: 18 – 2 February 2018
Where: Little India
Cost: Free entry
www.artwalklittleindia.sg
Seeing Art Through Play at Playeum
Playeum’s hosting a special weekend of creativity and fun to help kids create beautiful art projects, and we want in on the action. Build your own portable camera with a recycled tissue box or create new shapes and works of art using string and paint. We’re all for creating art while having fun!
When: 26-27 January 2018
Where: Playeum, Gilman Barrack, Blk 47 Malan Road #01-23, Singapore 109444
Cost: Camera Obscura!: $35, Press & Pull a Cloud: $30
Purchase tickets for Camera Obscura! and Press & Pull a Cloud at Peatix.
Art After Dark
Ditch the kids for this one and head over to Gillman Barracks to rediscover your pre-parenting inner cool at the Art After Dark event which is set to light up the evening with workshops, live music and great eats. Sounds like the perfect date night. You’ll find us perusing the STPI organised boutique art fair, the inaugural edition of S.E.A. Focus, for new Southeast Asian artworks, open from 24 to 27 January.
When: 25 January 2018, 7pm till late
Where: 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
www.gillmanbarracks.com
Aliwal Urban Arts Festival
The Aliwal Urban Art Festival looks set to be one of the hippest events of Singapore Art Week, so obviously we’ll be heading to Kampong Glam to impress the kids with our own ‘happening’ vibe. Street culture is the name of the game, and the list of cool includes drone try-outs, silversmithing, skateboarding, art exhibits (of course), performances and a market. Mini dancers should check out the kids’ street dance audition and dance battles if they’re vying for the hip-hop scene.
When: 19 January 2018, 4pm till late
Where: 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
www.aliwalartscentre.sg
Top image credit: National Gallery Singapore
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