One of the most comprehensive photography festivals in the region – the biennial Singapore International Photography Festival (SIPF) – is back with its seventh edition. If you’re not familiar with the festival, it acts as a platform to spotlight and nurture up-and-coming Southeast Asian photographers onto the international stage.

Taking place from Nov 5 to Jan 30, there’s a plethora of international and local exhibitions, curated tours and masterclass seminars for folks of all ages and skill sets. This SIPF edition is centered around the timely theme of ‘Departing and Arriving‘, looking at how one arrives at the understanding of identity and belonging through a journey of departure.

The main exhibitions will be staged at independent photography space Deck as well as the newly conserved 37 Emerald Hill, with other exhibits being showcased at the Esplanade Tunnel and at six Downtown Line MRT stations (Beauty World, Rochor, Chinatown, Newton, Little India, Bugis, Bencoolen).

While established names will be represented, this year’s edition also sees the debut of the new Silvana S. Foundation Commission Award – which aims to empower up-and-coming photographers based in Asia Pacific who focus on environmental, wildlife preservation and humanitarian concerns. For the full line-up, head here.

After trialing a preliminary online version back in August, beloved music festival Baybeats has unveiled its full line-up, which features 24 acts comprising  established names like the experimental electronic duo .gif (pictured), rapper Lioncityboy, indie rock band Astreal, and punk metal legends Opposition Party, as well as a host of rising names such as dream pop band Subsonic Eye and electronic pop sextet Riot !n Magenta.

This year’s edition marks the first time the festival’s venue will be moved into Esplanade’s main concert hall, as well as its theatre, where performances will be largely live-streamed – there will be small groups of live audiences for selected performances (in accordance with ongoing social distancing regulations). Check out the full line-up of acts here.

Nov 6-Nov 8 

It’s been some time since Gillman Barracks’ popular Art After Dark event last took place but don’t expect the usual night festivities with the refreshed edition, titled Art After Dark: Above & Beyond. This time, the event takes place over two weekends, with many of the enclave’s galleries putting on new exhibitions by local and international artists.

Pictured above is Canadian photographer Robert Polidori’s work, which is part of Sundaram Tagore Gallery’s Inherent Beauty exhibition which features works by six world-renowned photographers who are deeply engaged with the environment and contemporary social issues.

There are also panel discussions on various topics. One of interest to the general public might be kickstarting your own art collection, where Kaushik Swaminathan, general manager and head of research at new multi-concept dining space Appetite, will discuss how collecting art can be for everyone – even those who are complete beginners. Explore the full line-up of events and exhibitions here.

Nov 6-Nov 8 and Nov 12-Nov 15