Yes, there’s the Affordable Art Fair happening this weekend but here’s a rare chance to support many local independent art galleries at one shot – cool restaurant/art space Telok Ayer Arts Club has gathered five such spots together for a sale under their roof, with both emerging and established artists alike represented. It’s a great opportunity to check out a diverse range of artists – and perhaps snap up your first piece of art. Check out the full line-up here.
Nov 23, 6pm – 12am
Telok Ayer Arts Club, 2 McCallum Street
The most prestigious film festival of the year is back and it’s celebrating a significant milestone – the SGIFF turns 30 this year. With more than 90 critically acclaimed films sourced from 40 countries on offer, there ought to be something for every crowd – here’s a quick guide to some of the highlights. 17 Singapore works will be screening at the festival as well, and one underrated gem among the would be Revolution Lauderette by emerging filmmakers/musicians Mark Chua and Lam Li Shuen.
Nipponophiles, this would be the film for you – according to their press release, Revolution Launderette is a “Japanese-language film set in Tokyo, about a boy who sets out to beat his existence to its next punchline and is drawn deeper into the stranger side of the city”. Sounds like an quirky, intriguing piece to us. Check out the full line-up here.
Nov 21 – Dec 1, various times and locations
One of the biggest blockbusters in the regional art scene, the Singapore Biennale returns for a sixth edition spread out across 11 locations such as the National Gallery Singapore, Gillman Barracks, Lasalle College of the Arts, the National Library and more. There are more than 150 works from local and international artists and collectives alike, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed, check out Singapore Biennale team member and curator Andrea Fam’s recommendations here.
Pictured above: fast-rising artist Nabilah Nordin’s work (located at Gillman Barracks), titled An Obstacle in Every Direction. More details here.
Nov 22 – Mar 22, various times and locations
Neon Lights has quickly evolved to become one of the most well-respected festivals on the local music calendar and this year’s line-up is especially impressive, with the likes of Mumford & Sons, Honne, Mura Masa, Nick Murphy (formerly known as Chet Faker), King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Aurora and many more performing over two days. There’s also much love for local acts – pop outfit Disco Hue, electronic DJ Intriguant, folk-blues band Shak & the Baits, funk band MMLD and more.
The latest news however, is that Halsey will no longer be performing. Stay tuned for more details to emerge but in the meantime, tickets are moving fast, get yours here.
Nov 23 – 24
Fort Canning Park
Image: Neon Lights
While you’re at Gillman Barracks checking out the Biennale, do stop by Richard Koh Fine Art (block 47) gallery for artist Melissa Tan’s exhibition, Under the Arched Sky. Tan is the only Singaporean artist staging a solo show at Gillman Barracks during the opening of the Biennale and her show, which features series of these gem-like structures, were inspired by womanhood and female goddesses. More details here.
Nov 22 – Dec 7, 11am – 7pm (closed on Sundays, Mondays and Public Holidays)
Block 9, Gillman Barracks