Singapore’s calendar is filled with festivals and fairs that celebrate the arts. Here are some of the many annual events to look forward to in 2019 and 2020.
Singapore International Festival of Arts
Bringing together the best of local and international artists in theatre, dance and music, the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) returns this year with the theme “Enchantment”. Visitors can look forward to plenty of performances and workshops, which this year include Spectres LIVE and Opening Draft. sifa.sg
Singapore Night Festival
This free nocturnal extravaganza includes interactive light performances and installations, as well as dance, music and artworks by local talents in the heart of the Bras Basah and Bugis precinct – one of Singapore’s best-known arts and heritage districts. Highlights include The Wheel House by Acrojou, and The Siege: A Lightsaber Battle Experience by Fightsaber (SG). nightfest.sg
Affordable Art Fair
Offering a diverse range of contemporary artworks from both seasoned and emerging international artists, the autumn edition of this popular fair makes art accessible to everyone, with all works priced between $100 and $10,000. Educate yourself with expert advice or get your hands dirty in artsy demonstrations. affordableartfair.com/singapore
Singapore Art Week
The country’s visual arts scene is at its most vibrant during this festival, as art lovers immerse themselves in gallery exhibitions, film screenings, seminars and artist talks, to pop-up events and installations, at numerous venues across the city. One key event is Art Stage Singapore, held at Marina Bay Sands, a global gathering that connects art collectors and corporate buyers with artists, galleries, institutions and visitors. Art in Motion, meanwhile, is a tour of several Asian and international galleries dotted around Singapore’s cultural and heritage districts. artweek.sg
Singapore Contemporary Art Show
Returning with a third instalment in 2018, this fair adds diversity to Singapore’s art market, with displays of original paintings, limited editions, sculpture and photography, and also video and digital art from some of the world’s most interesting and promising artists. Both Singaporean and international collectors and buyers will enjoy exploring the 6,000-square-metre space. singaporecontemporary.com
Other festivals
- Gardenbeats
- Neon Lights
- I Light Singapore
- Chingay Parade
- Ultra Singapore
- Baybeats
Looking for more to do? See our what’s on section!
This article first appeared in the City guide 2017/18 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
