From 22 November to 22 march 2020, the Singapore Biennale (SB2019) commissioned by the National Arts Council, Singapore and Singapore Art Museum will return. Singapore’s pre-eminent platform for international dialogue in contemporary art brings thought-provoking works to various places around Singapore, including National Gallery Singapore, Gillman Barracks and Far East Plaza. Apart from SB2019, our cultural precincts will also come to life in fresh ways with new festivals, street art installations and workshops.

With events in various locations including the National Gallery Singapore and Gillman Barracks, Singapore Biennale 2019 showcases the works of 70 artists and art collectives under the theme Every Step in the Right Direction. Organised by the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), SB2019 will explore curatorial and artistic themes common to our human conditions and the catalytic role ‘hope’ plays in pushing for change.

The “Suddenly Turning Visible” exhibition at the National Gallery Singapore delves into the art and architecture of Southeast Asia from 1969 to 1989. The exhibition traces the story of the region through three influential art institutions – The Cultural Centre of the Philippines, the Alpha Gallery and the Bhirasri Institute of Modern Art – and illuminates the lesser-known links between architecture, modern art and the role of institutions in Southeast Asia.

Held at the National Gallery Singapore, the Frieze Academy: Art & Architecture Summit brings together the most eminent voices in art and architecture. Speakers include architect Richard Hassell; artists Himali Singh Soin and Lawrence Lek; and writer and critic Orit Gat.

Singapore Biennale 2019 takes art beyond the walls of museums into open spaces 24/7 – from the lawn of National Museum Singapore to the hoarding outside Singapore Arts Museum to the Far East Plaza shopping centre.

Art Tours

• Together with local artists Chankerk and Uhky Uhky, immortalise the tranquillity of Singapore’s last remaining fishing village on canvas at the Nostalgic Ubin Art Tour.
• Bring home a piece of Singapore by drawing iconic sights and heritage buildings around Chinatown and Kampong Glam with Wanderlust: Sketch and the City.
•  Experience Kampong Glam’s unique blend of art, heritage and culture through an immersive trail with Craft Walk @ Kampong Glam as you uncover the multi-faceted stories that have shaped this evolving modern village.

Cultural precinct events:  

• Discover the art and architecture of Tanjong Pagar, Duxton and Bukit Pasoh at Day Out @ Tanjong Pagar through walks, talks, clan open houses and a night movie screening held in conjunction with the Architectural Heritage Season.
• Lounge in the hammock installations at Glam Art! – Colourplay and enjoy samba music, dance performances and Augmented Reality (AR) experiences at Kampong Glam.
• Experience the vibrancy of Little India on foot at the Little India Heritage Trail  by the Indian Heritage Centre and street art walking tours by Mural Lingo. 
• Hop on an e-scooter and follow the Katong Joo Chiat Art Circuit, a self-guided art trail uncovering the precinct’s distinct architecture and introducing new murals with optical illusion elements at the Katong Joo Chiat precinct.

In Singapore, arts and culture activities are not just confined to galleries and museums. You can find them in our tree-lined streets, colourful alleys, and even on a quiet island off the mainland!

• Experience Singapore’s first outdoor art gallery filled with roving artists, performers, bazaar stalls and community activities at Gelam Gallery Alive at Kampong Glam.
• Visit Singapore’s last kampong and participate in a hands-on workshop led by a local artist specialising in sculpture with The Artist’s Metamorphosis.
• Explore the heartlands and join three pairs of Singaporean artists and homeowners as they draw upon their wellness knowledge to create unique art experiences in their own homes at Art in Your Own Home (AIYOH).
• Take your pick from inexpensive original art pieces at the Affordable Art Fair, a joyous annual affair filled with live art-making, pop-up installations, food and drinks, featuring works by local and international artists.
• Poinsettias Wishes will take over Gardens by the Bay this Christmas season. Take an enchanting stroll through different varieties of poinsettias arranged in mesmerising patterns and celebrate the holiday season with the most magical festive floral display.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Glam Art! 2019 – Colourplay, 15th – 24th Nov 2019

Katong Joo Chiat Art Circuit, 16th – 24th Nov 2019

Gelam Gallery Alive, 16th Nov, 17th Nov, 23rd Nov and 24th Nov 2019

Art in Your Own Home (AIYOH), 16th Nov, 17th Nov, 23rd Nov and 24th Nov 2019

Suddenly Turning Visible: Art and Architecture in Southeast Asia 1969 - 1989, 19th Nov 2019 – 15 Mar 2020

Frieze Academy: Art & Architecture Summit, 22nd Nov 2019

Singapore Biennale 2019, 22nd Nov – 22nd Mar 2020

Affordable Art Fair, 22nd – 24th Nov 2019

Day Out @ Tanjong Pagar, 23rd Nov 2019

IHC CultureFest (Little India), 23rdNov, 24th Nov, 30th Nov, and 1st Dec 2019

Poinsettia Wishes @ Gardens by the Bay, 8th Nov 2019 – 5th Jan 2020

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