I’m always on the hunt for things to do at the weekend for a bit of family fun – especially activities for kids beyond the standard sports schedule. Arts House Limited is running the fab Monstrous Fun! arts programme from 25 to 26 May 2024 to celebrate the curiosity, adventure and joy in stories. From The Arts House Story Tour to creative workshops and drop-in activities, there’s something for everyone in the family aged five and above. And the best part? Aside from a few very affordable ticketed events, it’s all free!
The history and significance of The Arts House
The Arts House is a Singapore institution, housed in the elegant 200-year-old building once home to the country’s first parliament. After an extensive renovation, this national monument re-opened as The Arts House in 2004. Twenty years later, it’s a vibrant multidisciplinary arts centre in the heart of the Civic District managed by Arts House Limited. Running a wonderful schedule of activities for kids and festivals for the community, it has a strong focus on literary arts. The Arts House also plays a vital role in supporting a flourishing arts scene in Singapore.
The Arts House Monstrous Fun! highlights to check out
# 3D Rendering Workshop
Transform your ideas into reality through a 3D Rendering Workshop with Singaporean sculptor and Cultural Medallion recipient, Chong Fah Cheong. At this hands-on sculpting session for the more mature artist, participants of all experience levels can articulate their creation with any material of their choice.
Where: Blue Room, Level 2
When: Both days; 2-4pm
Cost: $20, suitable for ages 15 and above
# Create Your Own Monster
Dial up your creativity while also helping to save the environment with Create Your Own Monster. You’ll use everyday materials and recyclables found at home, and fashion them into your very own monster sculpture. The only limit is your imagination!
Where: Outside screening room, Level 1
When: Both days; 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
# Story Walk 2023: Digital Stories
Be whisked away to a storytelling experience to rediscover the Civic District and its iconic monuments through the Benchmarksart trail. This video screening invites you to journey with the storytellers through their tales inspired by Benchmarks, featuring three art benches – ‘This is Not a Bench’, A Micropolyphonic Stage’ and ‘Re-Store / Neural Artefact Black’. Benchmarks is a Civic District placemaking initiative featuring a series of six art benches by six Singapore-based artists.
Where: Screening room
When: Both days; 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3.30pm
Cost: Free
# The Giant Poetry Wall
Grab a blank space at The Giant Poetry Wall and craft your own poetic verse by hand-pairing words to form rhymes. Don’t forget to snap a picture with your poem and tag #theartshouse!
Where: The Cultural Medallion Gallery Foyer, Level 1
When: Both days; 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
# Monster Poetry Family Portrait Frame
Get involved in the family fun by creating and decorating your very own portrait frame with your crew. An all-day drop-in activity, it’s perfect for slipping in before or after another programme. Don’t forget to take a picture with your artwork and tag #theartshouse on your socials. This programme is inspired by the book Our Folktales: The All-Time Favourite Folktales of Asia, which you can loan in advance at any public library to get your creative juices flowing.
Where: The Cultural Medallion Gallery Foyer, Level 1
When: 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free
# Book Exploration: Pop-up Bookstore
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of stories at the Pop-up bookstore and pick up some great reads to stock up your home library. Specially curated by Chio Books, the collection aims to satisfy both the young and the young-at-heart. You’ll find a treasure trove of titles tailored to enhance the minds and vocabularies of young readers. The selection spans various genres and languages, ensuring there’s something to ignite the imagination of every budding author.
Where: Level 1
When: Both days; 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free entry, book prices vary
And that’s not the end of the family fun! There will also be free balloon sculptures at the main entrance from 12.30 to 2.15pm both days. We love a good balloon animal!
Looking for more family fun things to do at the weekend? Check out additional activities for kids and events being organised by Arts House Limited. Little SIFA (Singapore International Festival of Arts) is taking place from 24 May to 26 May, and the Goodman Open House is happening at Goodman Arts Centre on 22 June. Expect performances, workshops, and even an outdoor cinema!
The Arts House
1 Old Parliament Lane
artshouselimited.sg | IG & FB: @theartshouse
For more activities for kids and things to do at the weekend in Singapore, head to our Living in Singapore section.
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