Once a dilapidated rice merchant’s mill, The Mill is a mash-up of an interior design hub and a creative space/venue. The Annex @ The Mill has done many cross-disciplinary events and exhibitions (as well as house menswear designer Kevin Seah and shoemaker Ed Et Al). And now it’s being demolished. No, not due to a lease issue or a government gazette. The demolition and subsequent redevelopment at the same location in 2016 will supposedly create more spaces for artists’ workshops. To close up in style, The Mill and artist collective WeJungle are doing a series of events entitled Destruction and Rebirth over the next three weekends. Here are the highlights.
Singapore Really Really Free Market (SRRFM)
A flea market where nothing is sold but instead simply given away or exchanged, the SRRFM has been held every few months since 2009. The latest iteration will be held at The Mill, and you can expect to pick up more than just second-hand stuff—past events have included free (basic) yoga classes, tarot card readings and shoulder massages. Jan 31, 2pm to 7pm.
The Diarists
Formed in 2012, The Diarists is a musical collective that aims to find and curate spaces for local musicians. As part of this event, four local acts will be performing at Verses (Jan 31), a singer-songwriter showcase, and Digital Death (Feb 14), a focus on electronic or digital music. Jan 31, 6:30pm to 8:45pm and Feb 14, 7pm to 9pm.
Destruction Party
The kick-off party for the festival, it will feature Deborah Rolls, Rah, Tom Shellsuit and Ramesh at the Annex, with Kústo, Hutersson, Raeburn and Lavin at the Whisky Room. Jan 31, 8 pm to 3am.
SPORE Art Salon
Arts collaborative SPORE Art Salon was founded in 2010 and returns for its 50th iteration. True to their cross-disciplinary spirit, they’ll dish out everything from food and drinks to musical performances. Feb 1, 1pm to 10pm.
Art The Mill
Artistry and Heart of Glass get together for this halfway point party on the second weekend, with cabaret live drawing and a photography showcase during the day, and DJ sets throughout the night. Feb 7, 4pm to 3am.
Last Supper
Private chef Federico Pinzi presents a send-off meal for The Mill. Each seating (6pm and 8pm) will only accommodate 20 people, so secure your spot early. Feb 14, 6pm and 8pm.
Rebirth Party
The official closing party, this final night will feature Kilowatt Soundsystem, DJ Bhayology and N-Stomp at the Annex, and Mugic Soundsystem in the Whisky Room. Feb 14, 9pm to 3am.
