The first Chinese Singaporean Cultural Festival, By Youths For Youths

In a recent survey commissioned by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC), many youths indicated interest to find out more about Chinese Singaporean culture. They were motivated by different reasons. Some saw culture as a means for them to better connect with their families, especially the older generation. Others saw it as a way to understand their own identity. Quite a few also wanted to prepare themselves for a world where China would play an increasingly important role in world affairs.

In that light, SCCC presented RE·MIX from 10 to 12 Jan – its first festival on Chinese Singaporean culture, for youths by youths. The festival sought to ‘remix’ Chinese Singaporean culture through fresh takes using contemporary music, dance, urban art and technology. Some of the interesting programmes include:

TGIF RE·MIX Music Station

Photo credit: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

A spin-off from the popular TGIF Music Station concert series featuring homegrown and emerging singers, TGIF RE·MIX Music Station was a special upsized edition. From pop and R&B to electronic dance music, the crowd had a great time with Mandarin and English songs, whilst enjoying special cocktails created with Chinese ingredients.

Hooray RE·MIX Market

Photo credit: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

A celebration of youth, style and good vibes abounded at the first-ever Hooray RE·MIX Market! The Market featured over 50 vendors from the region with unique retail finds from handmade crafts to fashion collectibles and art pieces. The crowd was also entertained by local and international bands throughout the day.

Haw Par Villa RE·MIX

Built in 1937, Haw Par Villa is a treasure trove of Asian culture, history, philosophy and religion that is the last of its kind in the world. The eclectic cultural park was re-imagined by young local artists in this quirky exhibition as they put a modern twist on Chinese myths, legends and stories.

RE·MIX Getai

Photo credit: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

Getais are performances held to entertain wandering spirits during the annual Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore. Over the years, traditional Chinese opera and puppet shows have given way to flamboyant performers singing and dancing to Mandarin, Hokkien and English pop songs. Getai performances are now becoming more common in Singapore, especially for communal celebrations. As part of RE·MIX and for one night only, SCCC refreshed the boisterous live performance format by inviting young entertainers to perform with household names from the local music and comedy scene.

Nurturing Young Talents In The Garden

SCCC has collaborated with youths who were keen to explore different ways of presenting Chinese art and culture within its venue. In July, SCCC hosted Frontier Danceland to present two original works at its roof garden. The first item featured cling-wrapped dancers, while the other item transformed a dancer into a clay sculpture which later came to life. In November, youth group First Touch presented a multi-disciplinary production in the same garden, which incorporated dance, drama, acrobatics, lion dance and stilt-walking to positive reviews.

For more information on the venue spaces available at SCCC, please visit https://www.singaporeccc.org.sg/venues/venue-hire/