Welcome to a whole new year of things to do and places to be! This guide by Gojek takes you through this year’s Singapore Art Week, where the celebration for all things art will bring you to more than 100 artsy-fartsy things happening all across the island. Drop by these top five festival highlights to see a whole new world, challenge yourself with new perspectives, or even … really, just do it for the ‘Gram (we ain’t judging).
Image from: Asian Film Archive
State of Motion 2020: Rushes of Time
Where: Various locations
When: 10 January–2 February
The annual film-meets-art event, State of Motion, returns this year with the theme of ‘Rushes of Time’ – exploring the push-and-pull between the moving image, memories, and time. Highlights include: lab tours run by archive staff where you get to see how old films are preserved; and a documentary exploring the legacy of the late Yasmin Ahmad, a cinematic giant of Malaysian cinema.
Image from: National Gallery Singapore
Light to Night Festival: Invisible Cities
When: 10–19 January
Where: Civic District
Art, innovation, and inspiration meet together in the Civic District’s five cultural institutions: the National Gallery, Asian Civilisations Museum, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, and Esplanade. Highlights include: an Interactive Dark Tour by Dialogue in the Dark, where you explore a Singapore of the past – in the dark; as well Stephanie Chan’s comedy performance inspired by living in big cities around the world.
Image from: Aliwal Arts Centre
Aliwal Urban Art Festival 2020
When: 18 January
Where: Aliwal Arts Centre
This iteration of the Aliwal Urban Art Festival asks the perennial question: what if? What if subculture wasn’t subculture? What if street art goes beyond the street? Find out all about the alternative in this urban subculture fest. Highlights include: a repurposing workshop that transforms your old fabrics into a new tote; and graffiti artists from The Blackbook Studio transforming studio walls in real time.
Image from: Facebook User Xin Hui
When: 10 January onwards
Where: 2 Cavan Road
Catch the beginning of a new art space in the city as 2 Cavan Road opens its doors for the first time. Formerly a ship repairs workshop and warehouse, the brand-new pop-up art destination will exhibit contemporary art from the likes of Dawn Ng and Tuan Mami.
Image from: The Artground
Baby Space by Dalija Acin Thelander
When: until 12 January
Where: The Artground
Art doesn’t have to be intimidating for the kiddos. Sometimes it can just be fun and exploratory. In Baby Space – created by Swedish choreographer Dalija Acin Thelander – you and your mini-me will get to play around a space where dance, music, and visual arts meet.
For a full list of events in Singapore Art Week, click here.
