Recognised for being one of the most rebellious yet creative forms, urban art reflects the core of the city it adorns. This is what the Aliwal Urban Arts Festival is set to celebrate. The one-day festival takes place on 25 January and promises the chance to contribute to murals in Singapore, explore the cities graffiti art and watch performances both at the Aliwal Arts Centre and the surrounding Kampong Glam neighbourhood. Here’s a guide to workshops and events during this free urban arts festival in Singapore!
Workshops at the Aliwal Urban Arts Festival in Singapore
#1 Design a poster
Come Together: Posters and Postings is a creative workshop focusing on the motorcycle, skateboarding and surfing communities. During the experience, learn the fundamentals of poster creation and how it can be used as a powerful tool for inclusivity, event promotion and creative expression.
12.30-1.30pm, Aliwal Arts Centre, Multi-Purpose Studio A #01-05
#2 Discover the art and science of airbrushing
TBRN (The Big Red Nose) is giving you the chance to take part in The Art of Airbrushing. The interactive workshop introduces you to the basics from setup and techniques to creative applications. You’ll also begin to understand how this industry has shaped different industries and perhaps bring home a brand new hobby or interest.
2-3.30pm, Multi-Purpose Studio A #01-05
#3 Help create a performance
Take part in the fun and games involved in making a performance at the Impressions & Expressions workshop. This is in collaboration with Avant Theatre and Language.
2-3pm and 4-5pm, #03-04
#4 Try a social dance and street dance
At the House Workshop, learn party moves and try them out in a mini-party at this workshop focusing on House dance. With roots in the underground house music scene of Chicago in the late 70’s, this is a social dance with a street style.
3.30-4pm, Multi-purpose Studio B #01-06
#5 Learn a performance method
Viewpoints is a training method that performers use to develop awareness of their mind and body in relation to the environment. Viewpoints: An Introductory Experience Workshop offers a fast and engaging introduction to build your own awareness of space and connection through a range of interesting exercises. Expect to leave with a greater understanding of shape and movement. No acting or theatre experience needed!
2-2.45pm and 5-5.45pm, #02-09
#6 Learn Hip hop moves
Hip hop is a street dance and musical style that has continued to evolve since the 1970s. The Hip Hop Workshop will provide simple choreography to help you learn some moves and then you can try them out at a mini-party during the showcase.
4.15-4.45pm, Multi-purpose Studio B #01-06
#7 Give skateboarding a go
Hone your skills or try it for the first time at the Skate Clinic operated by the Skateboarding Academy. These skateboarding clinics are designed for newbies and beginners with certified coaches guiding you through skill building activities and challenges in a safe and supportive environment. Gear and skateboards are provided. Registration starts at 3pm.
3.30-4.30pm, 5.30-6.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm, Aliwal Carpark
#8 Listen to an urban art panel
Featuring a motorcycle builder, a product designer, a graffiti artist and a digital VR artist, this engaging discussion panel, called Crafting Identity: Creativity and the Culture of Customisation, explores how bespoke design and innovation shape how we create, connect and consume. Enjoy a moderated conversation that explores the intersection of traditional art with digital innovation.
4.30-5.30pm, Multi-Purpose Studio A #01-05
Note: All the above workshops are $5 entry per person, except for the urban art panel (#8), which is free.
More things to do
#1 Exhibition on the Automotive world
Bore & Stroke is an exploration of customisation in the automotive world and its influence on art, urban culture, fashion and lifestyle. The exhibition was curated by The Block A Collective.
#2 Graffiti art try-outs
Don’t just watch, grab an aerosol can and unleash your creativity with resident artists! They will guide you through the basic techniques of graffiti art and tricks to help you bring your ideas to life create shared murals in Singapore.
#3 D’TOURS
Explore Kampong Glam on a walking tour that tells the history of this rich and vibrant neighbourhood through street art and murals in Singapore.
#4 LO:VE
A couple journey through love in this breakthrough production by New Opera Singapore and RSCLS. Richard Wagner’s Wesendonck Lieder and Claude Debussy’s Ariettes Oubliees have been given new life in this theatrical performance.
#5 Rhythms in Harmony
Rhythms in Harmony is a celebration of India’s classical dance traditions, Bharatanatyam and Kathak. The programme unfolds in three segments rooted in Indian mythology. The style is precise, graceful and a combination of rhythm, storytelling, and culture.
Details of the art festival in Singapore:
Special promo: Any of the workshops interest you? Get 20% off with the promo code AUAFriends20 (the only exception is the skate clinic.)
When: 25 January 2025
Where: Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street
More: artshouselimited.sg/aac
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