6 Events in Singapore for Arts & Design Enthusiasts (August 2017 Edition)
Thursday 01 January, 1970
Singapore may be known as a shopping and food haven but in recent years, she has also grown to become a booming cultural hub with a buzzing arts scene.
This August, art and design lovers can relish the splendour of the local arts scene and participate in these 6 exciting arts events around Singapore!
1.Civic District Outdoor Festival
Credit: Amanda Parer
Witness as the heart of Singapore’s historical, architectural and cultural heritage transforms into an outdoor extravaganza for two weekends in August.
Whether you’re visiting the festival to witness the live performances of roving local and international acts, to purchase the works of some of Singapore's most creative makers and artists from the art market, or to have a picnic with giant illuminated rabbits, with the wide array of activities available, there’s something for everyone in the family!
P.S. Look out for fireworks from the NDP preview show held at The Float @ Marina Bay! They usually go up at about 8.10pm in the evening!
Date/Time: 4 - 5 August and 11 - 12 August 2017, 6pm - 11.59pm
Address: Civic District Precinct
Getting There (By Train): Cityhall MRT Station, 3 stops from Orchard MRT Station (3-minute walk from Royal Plaza on Scotts Orchard Hotel)
2.Illustration Arts Fest
Link: http://illustrationartsfest.org/
Credit: Illustration Arts Fest
Singapore’s first indie illustration-centric festival, the event celebrates illustrator and illustrations in Asia.
While themes of anime, manga and superheroes are prevalent, attendees can expect to be drawn to original content and narratives created by independent illustrators who work in styles and art forms not commonly seen in Asia.
Date/Time: 12 - 13 August 2017, 11am - 5pm
Address: LASALLE College of the Arts (Mcnally Campus), 1 McNally St, Singapore 187940
Getting There (By Train): Rochor MRT Station, 3 stops from Orchard MRT Station (3-minute walk from Royal Plaza on Scotts Orchard Hotel)
3.Singapore International Festival of Arts
Link: http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/opening-windows-to-new-worlds
Credit: The Straits Times
After returning from its hiatus in 2012, the annual festival Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) returns this year with a stellar line-up of exhibitions and shows for arts enthusiasts.
While the festival has been running since 28th June this year, August is an exciting month with a brilliant selection of films, exhibitions and productions from established names such as the Kronos Quartet, Christian Rizzo, Lav Diaz and Dries Verhoeven.
For the full SIFA 2017 festival guide
Date/Time: 28 June - 9 September 2017
Getting There (By Train): Mostly around Bras Basah MRT Station, 3 stops from Orchard MRT Station (3-minute walk from Royal Plaza on Scotts Orchard Hotel)
4.Singapasar
Link: https://www.designsingapore.org/modules/events/singapasar-2017
Credit: National Design Centre
The design-centric pasar malam (a colloquial term for night market) is where art and design fanatics will be able to #supportlocal and shop first-to-the-market merchandise and event-exclusives from local brands.
Gathering the best and newest locally designed or made products, shoppers can find a wide array of apparel, bags, food, accessories and many more telling stories of our Singaporean identity, history and culture.
Date/Time: 4 August 2017, 4pm to 9pm, and 5 & 6 August 2017, 11am to 8pm
Address: 111 Middle Rd, Singapore 188969
Getting There (By Train): Bugis MRT Station, 4 stops from Orchard MRT Station (3-minute walk from Royal Plaza on Scotts Orchard Hotel)
5.Aliwal Arts Night Crawl
Link: https://www.aliwalartscentre.sg/events/aliwalanc16/
Credit: Aliwal Arts Centre
Witness as Singapore’s cultural district, Kampong Glam, turns into a one-night-only multi-disciplinary arts festival paying homage to the rich cultural heritage of Kampong Glam, and promoting the work of traditional and contemporary artists based in Aliwal Arts Centre.
Themed “Rasa Wayang”, this year’s event will introduce visitors to the Southeast Asian tradition and the ancient art of shadow puppetry, Wayang Kulit, and its place in Kampong Glam.
Visitors can create their own shadow puppet, purchase artisanal products from the night market and even practice yoga with OhmSantih Yoga instructors as the sun sets amongst many other exciting activities.
Date/Time: 19 August 2017, 5pm - 11pm
Address: Kampong Glam
Getting There (By Train): Bugis MRT Station, 4 stops from Orchard MRT Station (3-minute walk from Royal Plaza on Scotts Orchard Hotel)
6.Singapore Night Festival
Credit: Honeycombers
For two weekends in August, the Bras Basah / Bugis heritage precinct transforms into a colossal outdoor performing arts festival, the Singapore Night Festival — In fact, it’s known to be Singapore's largest outdoor performing arts festival!
This year, the festival celebrates its 10th anniversary presenting attendees with the same exhilarating performances, sparkling light installations and a range of street and music performances that'll lallow visitors see Singapore’s heritage in a new light.
Date/Time: 18 - 26 August 2017, 7.30pm - 12am
Address: Bras Basah / Bugis Precinct
Getting There (By Train): Bras Basah MRT Station, 3 stops from Orchard MRT Station (3-minute walk from Royal Plaza on Scotts Orchard Hotel)
