It has been a whirlwind 2 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This pesky virus has wreaked havoc on many Singaporeans’ travel plans, including ours. With uncertainty continuing to loom over the travel bubble agreements between the various Southeast Asian countries, we’ve decided to spotlight the local arts scene in 2022.
While appreciation for the local arts scene has grown in recent years, we believe this is still an underrated sector that deserves more love. So for this new year, why not include #supportlocal on your new year’s resolution list and check out these eight must-visit arts and culture festivals in Singapore.
1. SINGAPORE ART WEEK
WHAT: Singapore Art Week (SAW) has been an ever-present arts and culture festival in Singapore since 2013. A joint collaboration between the National Arts Council (NAC) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), SAW 2022 is expected to spotlight both established and aspiring artists in Singapore!
Now in its 10th edition, SAW 2022 aims to celebrate the evolution of visual arts in Singapore. The festival is a fantastic 9-day visual fest that takes place across various venues in Singapore, cementing this sunny island as one of the leading arts destinations in the world.
With over 100 events featuring transnational collaborations, virtual art experiences, and new works, you can expect to discover some exciting pieces that are sure to spark enriching discussions and thought-provoking articles about the important impact of art in our society.
WHEN: 14 to 23 January 2022
MORE INFO: https://www.artweek.sg/
2. AFFORDABLE ART FAIR
WHAT: There is a misconception among many that art collecting is a rich man’s hobby, but we think this could not be further from the truth. And as the world’s leading showcase for affordable contemporary art, the Affordable Art Fair is set to offer Singaporeans a chance to own exclusive art pieces at affordable prices.
This year’s event, which will be held at the F1 Pit Building, will feature a comprehensive selection of art pieces by local, regional, and international artists. Furthermore, attendees can expect educational guidance and hands-on advice, regardless of whether you are a new or established art collector. This is just one of the many ways the organisation is looking to make art collecting accessible and welcoming to everyone.
WHEN: 24 to 27 February 2022
MORE INFO: https://affordableartfair.com/
3. SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ART
WHAT: There is no better showcase for Singapore’s vibrant and dynamic live arts and culture scene than the annual Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), which offers a wide variety of theatre, music, visual arts, and dance in a series of performances across multiple venues in Singapore.
This event, hosted by the Arts House Limited, aims to inspire Singaporeans from all walks of life through majestic and jaw-dropping artistic experiences. Under Natalie Hennedige’s new leadership, the festival has so far revealed its theme of “Ritual” but not yet released programme information, but once it does, we advise you to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. There are also performances that offer free admission.
WHEN: 20 May to 5 June 2022
MORE INFO: https://www.sifa.sg/
4. SINGAPORE NIGHT FESTIVAL
WHAT: The Singapore Night Festival (SNF) is an annual street festival held over 2 weekends at Bras Basah and Bugis, which is the heart of Singapore’s arts scene and museum district. The festival took a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, but we expect it to be back and bigger than ever in 2022!
SNF – a celebration of the arts and Singapore’s rich cultural heritage – features an annual theme that is sure to be a treat for the senses. Expect plenty to see and do at the festival, including film screenings, improvisation theatre, cultural exhibitions, and musical performances, featuring talents both local and abroad. The best part is that admission is free!
WHEN: TBA August 2022*
MORE INFO: https://www.nightfestival.gov.sg/
*We’ll update the page when details for the festival are confirmed
5. I LIGHT SINGAPORE
WHAT: I Light Singapore is the leading sustainable light art festival in Asia, and the best news is admission is free! This event has been an annual tradition since 2010, and it has since evolved into one of Singapore’s signature arts and culture festivals.
During this three-week event, attendees can expect to see numerous innovative and creative light installations – many of which are made from recycled materials – that are created by both local and overseas artists. Visitors are free to take photos with the installations to commemorate the occasion.
With plenty to see and do, this is truly an event for all ages! What’s more, this festival is set to take place at Marina Bay, one of the iconic landmarks of the country. We cannot think of a more fitting venue for this event.
WHEN: TBA 2022*
MORE INFO: https://www.ilightsingapore.gov.sg/
*We’ll update the page when details for the festival are confirmed.
6. SINGAPORE IMPROV FESTIVAL
WHAT: Improvised acting or comedy, also referred to as improv, is one of the hardest skills to master. It requires the actors to constantly think on their feet and deliver their lines with precision to achieve maximum effect, which is why many consider it an art form. So indulge in the epic tales of horror, love, adventure, sci-fiction, and many more when you attend the Singapore Improv Festival!
This festival is a multi-day event featuring the most talented improv actors from around the world. The stories are unscripted, and audience suggestions are highly encouraged, so you never know what you are going to expect from every play. Spontaneity is the name of the game, so expect plenty of laughs and creativity from each of the performing teams showcased throughout the festival.
Due to the more mature content presented throughout the various shows, guests are advised to be at least 16 years of age to attend this event.
WHEN: TBA 2022*
MORE INFO: https://www.improv.sg/sif
*We’ll update the page when details for the festival are confirmed.
7. SINGAPORE WRITERS FESTIVAL
WHAT: The Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) has been one of Asia’s premier literary events since its inception back in 1986. Commissioned by the National Arts Council (NAC) and organised by Arts House Limited, this highly anticipated event has consistently shone a spotlight on the most promising home grown literary talents.
Throughout the years, it has also served as a meeting point for the various writing talents locally and abroad, playing host to renowned international literati, like Neil Gaiman, Carol Ann Duffy, Margaret Atwood, and Ocean Vuong, as well as Singapore writers like Amanda Lee Koe, Balli Kaur Jaswal, and Suffian Hakim, to name a few. Featuring a choice spread of workshops, panel discussions, and performances, you will undoubtedly be entertained throughout the festival.
WHEN: TBA October/November 2022*
MORE INFO: https://www.singaporewritersfestival.com/
*We’ll update the page when details for the festival are confirmed.
8. SINGAPORE BIENNALE
WHAT: Established in 2016, the Singapore Biennale is a massive contemporary art exhibition that cannot be contained within just one location! This 4-month long exhibition and workshop programme will be held across various notable venues in Singapore, including the National Gallery Singapore, the National Museum of Singapore, Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, and many more.
The theme of the exhibition changes with each event. While the theme for the 2022 festival is yet to be announced, we expect it to be another spectacular showcase for contemporary arts across Singapore, Southeast Asia, and around the world. With an itinerary jam-packed with programmes, attendees will have no shortage of options to choose from, no matter the venue they visit.
WHEN: 18 October 2022 to 19 March 2023
MORE INFO: https://www.singaporebiennale.org/