Get to Know Singapore’s Art Scene at These 9 Places

Get to Know Singapore’s Art Scene at These 9 Places

Here's where to find talented individuals who work hard to create something out of nothing in Singapore.

Lots of people lament that Singapore has no arts scene, or that local music is horrible, or that there are no artists (whether filmmakers, musicians, photographers or sculptors) worth getting to know.

Truth is, most of these people aren’t even aware of the many, many wonderful talented individuals are working hard to create something out of nothing. Yes, the creative scene in Singapore has its faults, but this does not negate the efforts of the genuine, passionate people that are the driving force of the arts scene here. I say, go to these places, get to know these people and what they do, and then make a judgement. Perhaps you’ll fall in love too, like I did.

In no particular order:

1. Aliwal Arts Center

singapore art sceneImage credit: Aliwal Arts Centre Facebook

A multidisciplinary arts centre in the Kampong Glam area, Aliwal Arts Center hosts an array of events from electronic music workshops to urban art festivals. Inch Chua had her album release here last year too.

2. Artistry

ArtistryImage credit: Artistry Facebook

Artistry is a gallery and a café – the best of both worlds! Artistry often hosts spoken word/slam poetry events (Speakeasy, Story Slam), which is a great event to meet local wordsmiths and pick their colourful brains. They also have singer-songwriter nights featuring local musicians called Originals Sing.

Also read: 10 Ulu Cafes in Singapore Totally Worth Driving To

3. Canvas Creative Space

Canvas Creative SpaceImage credit: Canvas Facebook

Canvas is a club at night but when it isn’t a dance floor, it is a creative space that hosts art shows and spoken word poetry (SPEAK, a poetry collective has events here).

4. Objectifs

ObjectifsImage credit: Objectifs Facebook

Objectifs is a non-profit visual arts centre dedicated to photography and film in Singapore. It hosts photography and film workshops, exhibitions and screenings, has a retail store, and aims to inspire and nurture the arts scene in Singapore. They also have a residency, worth looking into if you are an aspiring artist. Local filmmakers: Objectifs Films is their film distribution label, focusing on local work and promoting and distributing it to international platforms. Check out their space at Middle Road to see works by local creatives!

5. *SCAPE

*SCAPEImage credit: SCAPE Facebook

You might know *SCAPE as a mall at Somerset, but did you know that *SCAPE is a non-profit organization rooted in support of youth, talent and leadership development? It hosts many events that feature work and performances by local talents. *SCAPE Confessions last year was basically a music festival played by all local acts. Stopgap also had their album launch here.

6. Gillman Barracks

Gillman BarracksImage credit: Gillman Barracks

A contemporary arts cluster that reclaimed a former military camp, Gillman Barracks a place to go to check out diverse exhibitions from artists around the region and beyond. Once in a while, Gillman Barracks also hosts Art After Dark, a late night open house that features live performances by local musicians, local artist booths and local food pop-ups. It’s a great way to get familiar with who’s out there in this little island!

Also read: 6 Museums in Singapore You Didn’t Know Exist

7. The Projector

The ProjectorImage credit: Projector

The Projector is an independent cinema and creative platform that brings films and unique events to the people. They have films you don’t normally get to watch at Golden Village or Shaw – cult classics, arthouse, local flicks, indie and foreign films, etc.

8. Red Dot

Red DotImage credit: Red Dot Design Museum Singapore

Red Dot Design Museum hosts MAAD Pyjamas (Market of Artists and Designers), a monthly flea market with over 60 vendors selling original creations paired with live original music: a great event to attend to get your shopping on and get to know the local musicians.

9. Lepark

LeparkImage credit: Lepark

Lepark holds book launches, local music showcases and even film screenings on the open space carpark next to it… Or is just THE place to drink some craft beer and hang with your friends. Nothing like chilling – sorry, lepak-ing – the artsy Singapore way.

Also read: 10 Super Fun Outing Ideas in Singapore for Large Groups of Friends

About Author

Ashleigh Goh
Ashleigh Goh

Ash is a self-identified feminist hippie filmmaker and loves the mountains and trees. She has travelled extensively through the US and has spent some time working/living/studying in Montana and Austin. She is constantly on the pursuit of personal growth, and travel gives her exactly that.

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