It’s shaping up to be an exciting year ahead for locals as the National Heritage Board (NHB) has unveiled an entire line-up of exhibitions, festivals and programmes for 2021.
February has already seen the transformation of the roots.gov.sg heritage portal into a one-stop digital heritage concierge and cultural ontology.
The month of March promises a new, special exhibition at the Indian Heritage Centre. At A Story Untold, learn about the culture and heritage of the small yet prominent local Sikh community, from their history to their place in modern Singapore.
Loong Fatt Tau Sar Piah (Credit: Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth)
In April, check out the launch of the Sembawang Trail, as architectural treasures in the Northern residential town will take centre stage alongside coastal kampungs. While not much information has been disclosed, Chong Pang will also be included in this trail. During the same month, expect to see Kampong Gelam get its own Street Corner Heritage Galleries, not unlike the ones featured in the Balestier neighbourhood.
At the same time, the Asian Civilisations Museum will be putting on Life in Edo x Russel Wong in Kyoto, which extensively explores Japanese arts and culture through two mediums, woodblock prints and photography.
Then, check out Singapore HeritageFest in May; in this new, hybrid version, the 18th edition will feature both online and onsite experiences which will appeal specially to foodies.
Singapore Night Festival 2019
But perhaps the most exhilarating event of all is the Singapore Night Festival 2021, which will happen in August around the Bras Basah/Bugis precinct to tell diverse stories of the neighbourhood through a repertoire of artworks, performances, food and retail experiences. A dearly missed physical event last year, the reinstatement will definitely enthrall arts enthusiasts.
Later in December, NHB will debut the Sentosa Heritage Trail, guaranteed to be a hit among Singaporeans of all ages. The trail will highlight its days as Pulau Blakang Mati while delving into the memories of villagers who lived there before urban redevelopment.
Now we can’t say for sure if these activities will quell your appetite for travel, but it sure is a start. Be thrilled folks, things are looking up this year.
More information available here.
