On the last weekend of every month, the Civic District – home to a melting pot of arts and culture in Singapore – comes alive with an extravaganza of exciting artful activities. Dubbed the Arts Weekend Civic District, the weekend-long affair will see a series of mostly free performances, exhibitions and more hosted by National Arts Council Singapore and some of the district’s iconic institutions. Here are some highlights of this month’s instalment, and where you can find them, from Nov 23 to 25–the last weekend of this month.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
In the spirit of Deepavali, bask in the charm and grace of Indian arts with the on-going Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts. The tail end of this 10-day celebration promises a variety of classical and contemporary works like a concert by prolific Indian alt rock group Avial, a stage production based on the Indian epic poem Ramayana performed by Adishakti Theatre, a free screening of Pudhu Vandi (New Bike) by local director Kannan Vijayakumar, and so much more. Nov 23-25, various timings
Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM)
Expand your knowledge beyond Singapore’s cultures and explore the wonderful world of art and folklore of some of our closest neighbors. Part of the monthly Saturdays@ACM program, this month’s theme lets you revel in a variety of storytelling in the galleries, hands-on activities, interactive performances and more. Nov 24, 1-5pm
National Gallery Singapore Padang Atrium
As part of the Gallery’s monthly “Resonates With” series, witness a special performance of a selection of well-loved Disney songs by Les Petits Chanteurs de Saint-Marc from Lyon–the same group in the 2004 European film Les Choristes–together with Singaporean oboist from Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Quek Jun Rui at the Padang Atrium. Nov 24, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm
While this next exhibition extends beyond the last weekend of Nov, you might want to check it out early before hordes of Instagrammers flood the space. Less is definitely more here at the first Minimalism exhibition in Southeast Asia. Gawk at more than 150 works that traverse the history and legacy of this movement that came to the fore in the ’60s. This is held in the Concourse and Special Exhibition Gallery. Through Apr 14, 2019
Empress Lawn (in front of Victoria Theatre)
A mainstay of the Arts Weekend Civic District, the super chill Music@Empress is a free concert featuring a soulful mix of rising Singaporean artists who’ll be laying the soundtrack for a nice weekend out on the lawn with loved ones. Grab a picnic mat and some snacks as you enjoy alt R&B vibes from Houg, the lush atmospheric soundscapes and vocals of Bennett Bay and wistful musical musings of Theodora. Nov 24, 7pm
