Boom. It’s 2019 everyone. Let that sink in for awhile. But don’t take too long, as there’re lots to look forward to in this first month of a brand new year. The first weekend alone sees a music festival and a vintage flea happening, while a massive food festival and a Middle East film fest ramps things up many notches by the second weekend. Throughout the month, many Singapore Art Week 2019 events will keep you occupied (like the return of Art After Dark), as we all await the return of i Light Singapore come the last week of January.
Linying
FILM
Ever wanted to learn from Pop Aye director and Sundance Film Festival winner Kirsten Tan herself? If filmmaking is your thing, make this the first thing to do in 2019 by registering for CiNE65 2019: Director’s Studio with Kirsten Tan. This free seminar is part of annual short film competition CiNE65. Jan 3
EXHIBITION
Lend your support for local passions made possible at architect-turned-art teacher Tay Zhiyong’s debut solo art show Brush Diary. Featured in this debut are familiar scenes from Tay’s daily business of living—like the Fullerton Waterboat House, Marina Bay Financial Centre; even a bridge at Tampines River. Part of Singapore Art Week 2019. Jan 3-29
MUSIC
Support the local music scene while tuning in to both emerging and established musicians (like Linying and Sezairi) alike at The Outer Limits, a music festival held at *Scape dedicated to raising funds for budding musicians here. While there, stay fuelled at the Hendrick’s Gin and Al Capone’s booth, or lick up free popsicles courtesy of Popsical Karaoke. Jan 5
MARKET
Old habits die hard, and if your habit is to collect vintage trinkets others might see as junk, meet up with fellow collectors instead and swap or barter new finds at the Mini Vintage Collectors Flea Market. Grab a coffee or a bite at Old Habits boutique cafe while you’re at it. Jan 6
EXHIBITION
If you’ve always dreamt of walking the beautiful palace grounds of Chateau de Versailles in France, your time is now. New exhibition Virtually Versailles at ION Orchard showcases the exquisite beauty of the royal residence, in a mix of immersive graphics and stunning technicolour. Did we mention it’s free? Through Jan 6
EXHIBITION
This Christmas, the S.E.A. Aquarium is getting a glow-up, literally, as it gets transformed into a luminescent underwater world filled with glowing animals, stunning light art installations, and a first-of-its kind underwater LED dive appearance. Check out five different zones and interact with the displays while going oooh and ahhh as illuminated sea creatures swim by. Through Jan 6
THEATRE/FOOD
Remember how the toys all came to life in the story of The Nutcracker? Now you too can play a part in the magical Christmastime tale, as immersive theatre company Andsoforth brings the classic story to life in their latest theatrical feast, Marie and The Nutcracker. Journey through four rooms in a secret location with The Nutcracker himself, defeat the Mouse King, and reap your sweet rewards in the Kingdom of Sweets at the end. Through Jan 6
MUSIC
Legendary Guns N’ Roses guitarist and rock icon Slash will be back in Singapore for his own headline show to start the year on a bangin’ note. Backed by Myles Kennedy and The Conspiraitors, expect classics and tracks from their third album Living The Dream at the one-night-only concert taking over The Coliseum. Jan 8
COMEDY
Travelling dating disasters comedy show Story Party Tour is coming to Singapore, and you’ll definitely wanna be there for this. Laugh at real-life stories of Tinder date fails, heart-break tales, and more, all delivered by comedic pros at Kilo Lounge. Jan 10-12
FILM
Get your tissues ready, the Middle East Film Festival is back with more tear-jerking and emotionally gratifying screenings. Expect seven films in the lineup this year, with six of them making their Singapore premieres at the festival. Jan 10-16
FOOD/MUSIC
Like Artbox but with just the food stalls, the second weekend of January sees the start of the inagural Eatbox taking over the Open Plaza space at Downtown East. Expect over 50 local and regional vendors offering their yummy treats, as well as an impressive lineup of DJ performances by Eatmepoptart as part of parallel event Bacon Beats. Jan 11-13, 18-20
EXHIBITION
Brace yourself for a disturbing visual experience at contemporary video artist Toh Hun Ping’s first solo show Dance of a Humble Atheist. In it Toh marries his self-invented techniques of bleaching, scratching and recycling filmstrips, with more than 600 handmade ceramic pieces—for a painstakingly made, frame-by-frame stop-motion masterpiece. Part of Singapore Art Week 2019. Jan 11-Feb 17
For more ongoing 2019 exhibitions, check out our roundup here.
EXHIBITION
At Hatch Art Project’s ongoing Deciphering clothes: The Troublemaker’s Wardrobe exhibtion, 12 emerging Asian artists showcase their wardrobes through a mix of mediums—featuring a plethora of garments and objects you wouldn’t typically find in your hetero, cisgender closet. Be prepared to feel uncomfortable as your peruse their wares. Through Jan 12
EXHIBITION
Diner/bar/community space Telok Ayer Arts Club’s next showcase, tell me how they kiss you, tell me how you kiss, is gonna be a raunchy one. Spanning multiple mediums, the eight-week exhibition features three local artists who will be presenting ceramic sculptures, paper drawings and photography accompanied by artist-led events and live music. Go for a sex toy workshop, listen in on an artist talk, or just chill with a themed cocktail (like the cheeky A Whole Lot of Head, a creamy, frothy take on the classic Ramos Gin Fizz) in hand. Through Jan 12
THEATRE
A box-office hit in South Korea, Mandarin production Musical TARU features life-sized dinosaur skeletons, an impressive museum set and a catchy soundtrack that will have you singing along. You’ll find many familiar faces among the cast that is set to bring you on a big adventure promising plenty of laughs, tears and drama. Through Jan 13
EXHIBITION
Next up in Telok Ayer Arts Club’s roster of artists is Dawn Ng with 11, an experiential performance piece on human relationships that involves bringing together 11 pairs of strangers. Pay for a ticket and become part of the performance, in a social experiment-type show that combines audience participation with speed dating. Jan 17-Feb 14
ART
Set to the theme “Image and Sound of Fragrance”, the fifth Artwalk Little India returns this year to the buzzing heritage district with more experiential works, where guests get to admire public art displays, wall murals, performances and more, all happening in the real-world stage of Little India. Part of Singapore Art Week 2019. Jan 18-Feb 2
MUSIC
Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated concerts of the year (looking at how tickets sold out so quickly), the world’s hottest K-pop boy band BTS is ready to set the stage ablaze with their chart-topping hits and impressive moves as part of their sold-out concert at the National Stadium. Jan 19
MUSIC
Having been around for 20 years, Taking Back Sunday has come a long way since their debut in 2002. Fans can look forward to favourites as well as hits from their recent discography Tidal Wave. In addition, the post-hardcore band might also be performing two of their newest tracks from their new compilation album titled Twenty, which drops eight days before the concert. Jan 19
EXHIBITION
Working at the intersection of art and technology, local artist Andre Wee presents a solo exhibition of traditional and new media works (where both oil paintings and digital creations alike shine) with Within Without, held at the Mulan Gallery. Part of Singapore Art Week 2019. Jan 19-Feb 23
FESTIVAL
The fourth and largest EarthFest is here, this time, with over 130 vendors, more performers and new speakers taking the stage. Come and show your support for a sustainable lifestyle, or simply have a good time learning more about going green. Jan 20
ART/FESTIVAL
Gillman Barracks’ Art After Dark open house series is back. The format remains the same – resident galleries open up till late for visitors to peruse the exhibitions while pop-up food and drink stalls keep everyone satiated for the evening. Part of Singapore Art Week 2019. Jan 25
FESTIVAL
Inspired by the history of its immediate surroundings, the Asian Civilisations Museum is gathering a series of interactive artworks for display in a two-weekend showcase titled Light to Night Festival. Walk through a giant time capsule, revisit nostalgic games and come out knowing more about the Civic District than you did before. Jan 25-26, Feb 1-2
DRINK/EXHIBITION
Whether you like your local kopis or espresso-based coffees, La Kopi Singapore is the place to be to have ’em both. It’ll be a gathering of coffee aficionados from around the world, including Taiwan’s Taster’s Coffee, and Singapore’s own Coffee Break and Homeground Coffee. Jan 25-27
THEATRE
Australia’s top mentalist and mind reader will be in town to deliver a one night only mind-bending show, Psyche! Be amazed by his ability to divine your inner-most thoughts through perceptive abilities alone, then continue to be thrilled as spectacular visual effects and a water escape finale leaves you gasping from the edge of your seats. Jan 26
EXHIBITION
Local artist John Toh is showcasing watercolour pieces of iconic Singapore landmarks old and new, such as Temple Street, Keong Saik and the Supertrees, in a new solo exhibition titled Cityscapes, Ancient and Present. Held at Pan Pacific Singapore‘s public art space. Through Jan 28
FESTIVAL
Sustainable light art festival i Light Singapore returns for a massive bicentennial edition commemorating 200 years of being colonised Singapore’s founding. A total of 32 artworks set to the theme “Bridges of Time” will be on display, and will be for the first time include being installed on six iconic bridges around the Singapore River and Marina Bay. Expect a larger festival area too, with installations extending to Fort Canning Park. Jan 28-Feb 24
EXHIBITION
Celebrating our hawker culture and protecting the men and women toiling behind each stall has never been more pertinent. Pledge your support to induct this beloved part of our everyday life into the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage at the travelling Our SG Hawker Culture Exhibition popping up at various hawker centres and community venues around Singapore. Through Jan 31
EXHIBITION
Peranakan Museum’s latest exhibition, Amek Gambar: Peranakans and Photography, delves into the Southeast Asian history of photography through the pictured lives of the Peranakan community in the region. Through Feb 3
Lighthouse of Time. Credit: i Light Singapore
EXHIBITION
From Cold Storage to Tiger Balm, come chart the evolution of print advertising in Singapore from the 1830s to 1960s at Selling Dreams: Early Advertising in Singapore. Aside from just print advertisements, the exhibition at the National Library also includes interactive multimedia stations for you to experience life as a consumer in early Singapore. Through Feb 24
CARNIVAL
The second coming of the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival is here, set to transform the Marina waterfront into a colossal fairground filled with rides, games, food, and of course, plenty of pretty lights. This time, entry is free, and with more rides to check out than before. Through Mar 24
EXHIBITION
Trace the Polaroid camera’s fascinating history at the National Museum of Singapore’s latest exhibition, In an Instant: Polaroid at the Intersection of Art and Technology, featuring over 200 Polaroid artefacts and artworks from the original collection. Through Mar 31
EXHIBITION
The ground-breaking Minimalism: Space. Light. Object exhibition spanning National Gallery Singapore and ArtScience Museum traces the origins and evolutions of the Minimalist art movement, in more than 150 works loaned from all over the world. Check out our quick picks here. Through Apr 14
EXHIBITION
One of Singapore’s smallest minority communities is finally having their moment in the spotlight at Chetti Melaka of the Straits: Rediscovering Peranakan Indian Communities. Come hear the lesser-known stories of the Chetti Melaka, also known as Peranakan Indians—descendants of early South Indian migrants who to Singapore in the 15th and 16th centuries, and married local Chinese or Malay women. Through May 5
