Arts House Limited programmes for October – December 2024

Singapore Writers Festival

Images courtesy of Arts House Limited

The Singapore Writers Festival (SWF), one of Asia’s premier literary events, is one of the few multi-lingual literary festivals in the world, celebrating the written and spoken word in Singapore’s official languages – English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil. Organised by Arts House Limited (AHL), SWF is a much-anticipated event on the cultural calendar, presenting the world’s major literary talents to Singaporeans while shining a spotlight on home grown and Southeast Asian creative talents. Over the years, the festival has become an exciting meeting point of writers, academics and thinkers in a choice spread of panel discussions, workshops, lectures and performances.  

With the theme In Our Nature, SWF 2024 returns from 8 – 17 November 2024, featuring over 200 thought-provoking programmes presented by more than 300 local and international speakers. The festival invites us to reflect on what is truly in our nature — whether as humans, writers, readers, or global citizens — as we navigate the world we live in today. 

More information can be found here: https://www.singaporewritersfestival.com/ 
Enjoy 20% Early bird tickets on sale: 3 September – 14 October  
Regular tickets on sale: From 15 October 

Sketch Up

Images courtesy of Arts House Limited

Sketch Up is an inaugural outdoor sketching event organised by AHL. It will take place in the Civic District on 26 October 2024.   

Organised in its capacity as cultural place manager of the Civic District, AHL has partnered with Art Apart to present this unique artistic experience, inviting all art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in Singapore’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, right in the heart of the Civic District.  

This inaugural event will occur rain or shine at the picturesque Empress Lawn in front of Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall. Participants are invited to sketch the intricate neoclassical façade of the Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall, including its distinctive Clock Tower crown, inspired by Queen Victoria’s crown.  

The momentous event will have a lasting digital presence, as participants will be encouraged to submit their masterpieces to be displayed as part of a digital showcase on the Civic District website. After the event, viewers can appreciate the various artistic interpretations of the Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall and vote for their favourite pieces from 26 – 31 October 2024.  

More information can be found here: https://artshouselimited.sg/civic-district/sketch-up 

Benchmarks

A placemaking initiative for the Civic District presented by Arts in the Civic District

Images courtesy of Arts House Limited

Images courtesy of Arts House Limited

Benchmarks, a new public art trail commissioned by the Civic District Alliance and a placemaking initiative for the Civic District, presents a series of art benches sited between The Arts House and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay from now till 2026.  

Designed by six Singapore-based artists, these benches actively invite visitors to engage with the Civic District’s rich history, serving as dynamic markers that encourage exploration and appreciation of the district’s cultural significance. The benches along the passage trail are akin to different punctuation marks, infusing one’s walk through the Civic District with rhythm and meaning. Just as punctuation marks provide breaks and structure to a passage of text, these artistically designed benches punctuate one’s journey, offering moments of pause and reflection.  

More information can be found here: https://artshouselimited.sg/cvd-whats-on/benchmarks 

Our Cultural Medallion Story 

Commissioned by National Arts Council 
Managed by The Arts House 

Images courtesy of Arts House Limited

The Cultural Medallion was instituted in 1979 to recognise individuals whose artistic excellence, contribution and commitment have enriched and distinguished Singapore’s arts and cultural landscape. 

Discover how the Cultural Medallion award started and what inspires our Cultural Medallion recipients, listen to their stories and dive into their creative journeys through video interviews, publications, and archival articles in the interactive showcase. 

More information can be found here: https://artshouselimited.sg/ourcmstory

Singapore International Festival of Arts 2024 
the light gleams an instant  
Commissioned by Singapore International Festival of Arts Conceived, Directed and Edited by Natalie Soh  

In collaboration with Cherry Chan and Jaye Neo  

Image courtesy of Arts House Limited

About the light gleams an instant film  

Step into a realm where art, music, and nature intertwine in this experimental short film, shot entirely on VHS with deliberate generation loss, as it takes you on a journey of exploration and introspection.   

Inspired by the enigmatic specimen ZRC_1_3200:3203 at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, the film delves into the recursive nature of memory and meaning-making. Abstract realities unfold through observation, dialogue, and human interaction, unearthing deeper dimensions within the worlds of artist-jeweller Shing of Argentum, taxonomist Dr Tan Swee Hee of Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and conductor Jason Lai of Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.  

View the film here: https://sifa.sg/2024-programmes/programme-details/new-works/the-light-gleams-an-instant