This October, StoryFest 2023 returns in a refreshing new format with Story Walk, an outdoor storytelling experience of local stories set against the rich backdrop of the Civic District.
Presented and organised by Arts House Limited (AHL) and The Storytelling Centre Limited (TSCL), Story Walk is a unique and specially curated outdoor roving walking (30 minutes) experience along the riverside to rediscover the beauty of the arts and culture precinct through storytelling, shining the spotlight on iconic monuments, institutions and public spaces in the district.
Go back in time to when the Singapore River welcomed ships from far and wide, or discover what went on inside some of the heritage buildings in the district as storytellers take you on a guided walk, telling stories to bring to life the precinct’s rich history, its surroundings and the art benches themselves, showcasing the history and cultural significance of the location.
Story Walk is punctuated by three art benches as opportune moments for the stories to be shared. It features artworks that are part of the Civic District’s recently unveiled public art trail, Benchmarks, featuring six site-specific art benches designed by Singapore-based artists, and a placemaking initiative by the Civic District Alliance (which consists of the Asian Civilisations Museum, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, National Gallery Singapore, The Arts House and Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall).
“Story Walk is an artistic response to remember the many storytellers who sat by the River and shared tales,” says StoryFest’s creative producer Kamini Ramachandran. “Slow down, listen and discover.”
Local veteran author Verena Tay created the stories for Story Walk, inspired by the artists’ concepts and origin stories of the three art benches, combining historical facts with elements of fiction. Expect humorous escapades that took place in rice godowns to tales of seafarers who made the waters their home. The stories are brought to life by Singaporean storytellers Wesley Leon Aroozoo, Laura Kee and Hafiz Rashid.
Complete the inspiring journey with a guided paper-folding activity at The Arts House, featuring original prints on postcards by local artists Victor Emmanuel and Stellah Lim. Embellish personal designs with linocut prints and take home your own mini art bench. Families with children can look forward to linocut prints with motifs of river otters, while adults can overlay wood grain patterns.
Two Story Walk sessions (60 minutes each) will be held twice daily on Oct 6 and 7 with the morning session for families with children (ages six to eight), and the evening session for adults. Tickets are priced at $10 each, available here. For more information, visit storyfestsg.com/2023.
