We know Gillman Barracks as a colonial barracks and then as an arts cluster. But there are more to the area than just contemporary art galleries. For one, there is The Southern Depot, where it's all about crafts, cycling, wellness and lifestyle.
The Southern Depot seems like a prime pit-stop and landmark in-line with Gillman Barracks' vision as a vibrant creative arts enclave. Painting itself as an event space, The Southern Depot hosted a slew of activities and workshop when it opened in early March. It was a weekend event that featured vendors like Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, KultBespoke, HeartyPlayFam, Re-store and more.
Embracing the ethos of "Cycles, Craft, and Community", the creative hub fosters dynamic partnerships with local lifestyle brands and carefully curates eco-conscious workshops. Aside from weekend craft markets, visitors can also visit the DIDI Lifestyle area, where you can peruse a wide array of two-wheelers in their showroom (hell, try for a test ride!) or patronise their on-site partners like Weber Grill Academy (getcher grilled meats on!), Kaffa Bella (getcher caffeine on!) and Little Island Brewing Co (getcher beer on! Responsibly!).
Tune in for more curated programmes and installations from weekend markets, seasonal pop-up events and co-working spaces. Goh Kian Sin, Executive Chairman of DIDI Group and owner of The Southern Depot says, “We have many programmes and partnerships in the pipeline, and are looking forward to introducing a unique experience for visitors to discover the limitless potential of The Southern Depot.”
So, if you feel fatigued by the art (or the GD sun), step into The Southern Depot for a spell. Have a drink or some food and even partake in one of their many cultural events.
Here's something to do over the weekend. The fellas who added "hypebeast" to the lexicon are adding something different to their portfolio: a concert on our shores. Called Hypebeast Live, this concert will occur 23 March from 4pm-10.30pm at Somerset Skate Park and TRIFECTA SINGAPORE. We are talking a line-up of live music, DJ sets, arts and food; the event promises a night filled with partying and fun. And if music doesn't do it for you, there are always the activities at TRIFECTA SINGAPORE... but we're getting ahead of ourselves. Here's what you can expect at Hypebeast Live.
Courtesy of HighHouse, the music event will be headlined by regional act Autograf, an electronic dance music duo from Chicago. Having performed at big events such as Coachella and Lollapalooza, Autograf knows how to get a crowd moving. Helping them keep the energy going, two musicians presented by WILD Entertainment will join them—local singer, Haven, and KIARA, a versatile DJ renowned for her eclectic music style.
The line-up concludes with DJs from Sivilian Affairs, including Nicolette, HBN, Sivanesh, TropicLab, and DONN. All the acts will also be livestreamed on the official Hypebeast Youtube channel, providing international fans a virtual front row to the shows.
It's not just about the music. It's about the culture. And nothing enlivens the culture than with a permitted graffiti presentation. Helmed by artist Clogtwo, who will work on a large mural artwork called "Canvas" on-site at TRIFECTA SINGAPORE. See the process as it starts from basic sketches and transformed into a colourful finished work. For some extra sugar, a giveaway will be held, gifting winners with an exclusive t-shirt designed by Clogtwo.
There will be pop-up stores as well like ASICS, Don Julio, Guinness, Häagen-Dazs, Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Rip Curl and more.
Capping off the night is an intimate afterparty held at HighHouse. Ticket holders of Hypebeast Live are entitled complimentary access to this restaurant-bar, where Autograf will deliver another exceptional performance.
Tickets for Hypebeast Live are available for purchase here.
There's a misconception that golf is reserved for a particular faction. It's a fair assumption but not an entirely accurate one. Enter the upcoming Porsche Singapore Classic, which merges top-quality competitive action with delightful sport and lifestyle activities to make the game more accessible to spectators, aspiring players and new followers of golf.
Some key facts to know about the tournament is that this is the opening event of the DP World Tour’s Asian Swing. Players competing include 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry, PGA Tour winner Matthieu Pavon and newly-crowned DP World Tour winner Rikuya Hoshino, among others. The prize purse has increased to USD 2.5 million, and Porsche is offering their latest Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid Porsche as the prize for the professionals and spectators (more on that later) scoring a hole-in-one on Hole 17.
DP World Tour events in Singapore have been pretty significant for Asian talent in particular. Both Arjun Atwal (India) and Zhang Lian Wei (China) made history for being respective country firsts by clinching their Tour titles here. Fellow top regional golfers you'll catch on the green at the Porsche Singapore Classic include Hoshino of Japan, as well as Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thailand), Gavin Green (Malaysia), Li Haotong (China) and Kho Taichi (Hong Kong).
Locally, Singaporean Mardan Mamat won the Singapore Masters in 2006 and remains our only winner on the DP World Tour to date. And this year, all three international qualifying spots for the Porsche Singapore Classic were swept by Singaporeans Nicklaus Chiam, Joshua Yap and Irvyn Tan, so keep your eyes peeled for these rising talents at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club.
If you are new to the game, this gateway to sport works for all. At the Porsche Singapore Classic, a unique spectator village located conveniently within the beautiful Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore resort boasts a slew of tantalising food and beverage options as well as entertaining fringe activities. These include putting challenges, shootout games, and the chance for spectators to win a Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid. Make it a family outing while you’re at it—children aged 16 and below enjoy free entry into the Porsche Singapore Classic, as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.
A natural question but it's worth noting that the automobile giant has been involved in golf since 1988 through the Porsche Golf Cup, a series of amateur tournaments for Porsche customers. The Porsche Golf Cup has grown to become one of the company’s most successful customer events—over 17,000 Porsche customers recently took part in 261 worldwide qualifying tournaments. Porsche is no stranger to the professional golf scene too as title sponsor to the DP World Tour's European Open, and is now expanding its presence in the Asian market as Title Partner of the Singapore Classic. Porsche Singapore has also supported the upcoming tournament with a fleet of 20 Taycan shuttle cars for VIP guests and players, and the Porsche 996 Swan will be on display at Laguna National as well.
Which means if you'd like to catch a glimpse of the freshly-launched hybrid Porsche (and who's walking away with it), watch top golfers in action, or simply kickstart that overdue interest in the sport, wait no more. We’ll see you at the Porsche Singapore Classic.
Get tickets to the Porsche Singapore Classic happening until 24 March at Laguna National Golf Resort Club.
The 16th edition of the Affordable Art Fair Singapore saw landmark sales of SGD 5 million with 16,000 visitors, highlighting an increasing demand for art in Singapore. This year’s Affordable Art Fair presented an array of global and local art consisting of 37 percent local and 63 percent international galleries. With 20 different nations under one roof, the fair attracted a broader Singaporean audience, showcasing a growing art culture among locals, as well as the breaking of barriers to acquisition of art within Singapore.
The fair also maintained its appeal to the expatriate community, highlighting its position as a cosmopolitan art event. The Affordable Art Fair’s director Alan Koh commented on the success saying “Our 16th edition in Singapore has been a remarkable journey. We are grateful to continue supporting galleries and artists, fostering a vibrant art community, and encouraging art appreciation among a diverse audience. The fair’s evolution is a testament to our commitment to making art accessible to all.”
Affordable Art Fair continued to maintain its ties with the local community and social causes close to home. Collborations with ART:DIS, Singapore Cancer Society, Sculpture Society (Singapore), and Art Galleries Association Singapore enhanced the artistic offerings of the fair alongside reinforcing its commitment to building a supportive and inclusive art community in Singapore. Here is a quick breakdown of the event’s social impact:
The first year of ART:DIS’s participation was a significant milestone of raising the visibility of artists with disabilities, adding to the diversity of contemporary art. ART:DIS showcased seven artists with disabilities, including emerging artists Christian Lee and Noah Tan, as well as renowned artists like Eugene Soh and Raymond Lau. As the official charity partner of the Affordable Art Fair 2023, the Singapore Cancer Society illustrated the therapeutic role art plays in improving mental health and cancer care through workshops on art psychotherapy and wellbeing sessions, providing a platform for emotional healing and self-discovery through art. Sculpture Society (Singapore) showcased a display of sculptural artworks, including live woodcarving demonstrations, fostering an appreciation for sculpture as an art form.
The Affordable Art Fair also continues to host interactive workshops and a range of family friendly activities as part of the fair’s commitment to make art more engaging and accessible for the wider public. This has always been an integral part of the fair’s ethos since its debut in 2010.
The love of art starts from youth and this was at the forefront of the Children’s Art Studio by Art Wonderland. Here, children indulged in a creative oasis with activities and a space that sparked their imagination and provided a playful and educational art experience. A standout at this year’s fair was the “ATM – Art Transfer Matrix”, a performance piece by the acclaimed Melbourne-based artist Jackie Case, who was flown in for the event. Attendees submitted their creative ideas written on a card and Jackie, seated within a unique box set up, created a unique art piece inspired by the idea, challenging participants to engage with the philosophical question of who the true artist is – the person who conceptualised with the idea, or the person who executed the idea.
The Affordable Art Fair continues to reinforce efforts in promoting art appreciation within the local community. As for the future of the fair, Alan Koh comments, “The ultimate dream for the Affordable Art Fair is to remain a pivotal event for discovering and collecting art, serving as a thriving platform for galleries, artists, and the wider art ecosystem”.
Originally published on LUXUO
“Tonight, our audience members were visibly touched by the hard work and talents of our differently-abled performers, some of whom performed for the first time alongside international superstars," says Wee Boo Kuan, Co-Founder of Extra·Ordinary People.
1 December 2023 marked a transformative moment in the nation's performance arts scene. Singapore's Extra·Ordinary Stars concert was a groundbreaking showcase of not only talent but also inclusivity.
The curated performances, designed to highlight both mainstream and differently-abled artists, were held at the Star Theatre. The 5,000-seater venue was packed to capacity. The live show is set to reach an even broader audience through international broadcasts.
Cyril Takayama kicked off the star-studded evening with a mesmerising magic show, followed by Zanna's piano rendition of "Nothing Is Impossible." Benjamin Kheng, accompanied by Ng Kok Wee's flute performance, delivered a moving rendition of "Do I Make You Proud." Glenn Yong's energetic performance of "Break Out" with John Chan showcased the seamless integration of diverse talents.
The Unleash Your Light Taiwan crew brought the house down with a dynamic breakdance. It's followed by a performance featuring "The Story of Annie." A-Lin, a Taiwanese superstar, captivated the audience with four of her hit songs. Ten children were incorporated into her heartwarming performance of "Romadiw."
To generate excitement, the concert organisers launched the 54448 Dance Challenge on social media. Symbolising the word "LIGHT" on an alphanumeric keypad, participants not only engage in a captivating dance but also embody the inspiring message of being a "Light to the World." The challenge culminates with a winner announced in December. Not only that but with a chance to win up to SGD10,000 in prizes and a matching donation to a charitable cause.
"Donations will go a long way in benefiting the underprivileged and special needs communities, but most importantly, the human connections made today form a firm foundation for a kinder and more inclusive society."
Realising that special needs individuals cannot be thrown in the deep end after their education, and might require opportunities and guidance even in adulthood, Wee founded Extra·Ordinary People in 2017 to provide continual support to differently-abled individuals and to inspire a more inclusive world.
The Extra·Ordinary Stars concert is the flagship event for the Unleash Your Light movement. This cause envisions a world where genuine human-to-human connections form the foundation for personal and societal transformation. The movement believes that these connections can shatter limitations, ignite individual potential and empower everyone to shine.
If you know Envy, you probably know Envy. The Japanese band with more than 30 years of post-hardcore legacy revisits us this week. Coming off a successful European tour spanning nine countries and 16 shows, as well as their recent stint at Maho Rasop in Thailand and the release of their 10-inch EP Seimei last year, they will be showcasing an impressive catalogue in one night.
For those that don't know Envy, that's seven albums, six EPs and more seamlessly blending aggressive and melodic elements. We could talk about how the signature music profile is characterised by intense dynamics of hardcore punk and atmospheric soundscape but better to experience it for yourself. Especially if the genre sounds like your thing.
The six-strong powerhouse comprise original members Manabu Nakagawa on bass, Nobukata Kawai on guitar, and lead vocalist/keyboardist Tetsuya Fukagawa, and the fitting subsequent additions of y0shi and Yoshimitsu Taki on guitars, and Hiroki Watanabe on drums.
The upcoming performance marks a momentous occasion since the last live show was 2012 at the Substation. Other festivals Envy has graced include HELLFEST (FR), FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL (JP) and the very recent MAHO RASOP (TH).
Date: Wednesday, 6 December 2023
Time: 8pm till 10pm, doors open at 7.30pm
Venue: SCAPE The Ground Theatre, Singapore 239978
Purchase tickets on Eventbrite
The art industry can be an intimidating scene where it seems a small few hold the key in dictating what the rest of the world perceives as “good” or “bad” art. This is where the Affordable Art Fair comes in. By helping people fall in love with art by giving them the confidence to trust their own taste and style, they are also disrupting the business model of art and the stronghold that art dealers and critics have over the industry.
2023 sees the Affordable Art Fair maintain its presence in Singapore as the longest-standing art fair in the region. In November, the F1 Pit Building will play host to the fair, transforming itself into an immersive space where rare art meets a contemporary lifestyle. Singapore’s Affordable Art Fair holds the same ethos from the day it started. Art is not just for the elite, it is for everyone; be it an art aficionado or a budding art collector just starting their personal collection. Affordable Art Fair is the one-stop destination to indulge, explore and elevate your senses with art of all mediums. The Fair removes the elitism known to be held in the art community by presenting artwork from contemporary oil paintings to life-sized sculptures, for every space and budget.
The fair showcases a plethora of artworks in an environment that is free from intimidation or judgment. The Affordable Art Fair is about celebrating art in a space that is both friendly and transparent. Transparency is particularly applicable for the pricing as all artworks are prominently displayed with their respective prices which are under SGD15,000. 75 percent of artworks displayed are priced below SGD7,500. A delightful selection under just SGD1,000 makes it easier for everyone to find that perfect piece that speaks to both their taste and budget. What sets the Affordable Art Fair apart from other art events is its distinctive presence within the art fair scene, attributed to the Affordable Art Fair’s unique approach to an accessible, vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that encourages education.
The fair is also a melting pot of cultures across 81 galleries as it is comprised of 36 percent local and 64 percent international galleries allowing visitors to experience a more holistic, international collective of art and culture. These galleries are comprised of over 20 different countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan and Thailand among many others.
The renowned Art Fair also makes a crucial step in supporting local artists. By choosing art from Affordable Art Fair, you will be directly contributing to the contemporary art ecosystem, supporting artists’ livelihoods, alongside the galleries that champion their work. Therefore, when you purchase a ticket to the Affordable Art Fair, you get the best of both worlds. Not only do you get access to thousands of artworks all under one roof; but it’s also a chance to speak to the experts and gallerists.
When collecting art, it’s good to expose yourself to industry connections and mingle with like-minded individuals to get a better grasp on up-and-coming trends, industry insights and other word-of-mouth hearsays and tips. Being on the ground, your ability to sense and indulge in the local art industry and energy gets more heightened, as opposed to appreciating it off your screen. Colours, techniques, pigments and expressions all come to life.
However, before we purchase art, it is important to understand why we are purchasing it. Would it be included as part of a decorative switch-up in your home? If so, would the piece be featured in your own private space on displayed in an open room? Style, colour, layout and dimensions are all of these are crucial components worth taking into consideration as well. Some pointers as stated by Singapore Art Fair’s Fair Director, Alan Koh are:
Research is crucial. While the Affordable Art Fair is a prejudice-free space it is important to explore your options. Once inside the space, take your time understanding the different types of artworks on offer from methods, materials, colours and sizes, perhaps even listing out a personal pick of top five or top 10 selections and why you are drawn to those pieces.
Next, always keep a budget in mind. If an artwork that catches your eye is over budget, that does not mean it is off-limits. As Koh explains, galleries might have a smaller piece by the same artist up their sleeve. Or they may offer a payment scheme to allow you to spread the cost over monthly or quarterly instalments. However, if you happen to see a work of art you fall in love with but is out of your budget, keep in mind that many galleries offer a “try before you buy” scheme. You basically borrow work to view it in situ for a specified period, before your commit to that final decision.
One of the most exciting parts of collecting contemporary art is learning about established artists or discovering rising stars. Cultural background, heritage, techniques, methods as well as inspiration and motivations are important in drawing you into a piece as these build emotional ties between a collector and the artwork. Do your research into the artist’s background. What story are they saying with their work and does it inspire you? Examine the materials—pencil, charcoal and pastel drawings are both priced and presented differently as opposed to oil paintings or a bronze sculpture for instance.
Embrace the unconventional and the original keeping in line with the realms of your own imagination and budget in mind. Art is meant to make you think, make you feel something from within. You should not buy an artwork because you think it is what you should be buying. Instead, make sure your heart and head take an equal part in your decision. Collecting art is ultimately about developing and learning to trust your taste. And the Affordable Art Fair is a great place to start.
To register and purchase your tickets for this year’s Affordable Art Fair, click here.
For more on the latest in the world of art, click here.
Originally published on LUXUO.
