To celebrate Singapore’s multicultural arts, Stamford Arts Centre will be holding three weekends of traditional arts activities, performances, and installations!
Venue: Stamford Arts Centre
Date: 23 August — 7 September 2024
Admission: Free with ticketed programmes
In conjunction with the Singapore Night Festival, Arts House Limited (AHL) presents A Date with Tradition at Stamford Arts Centre for three weekends. From 23 August to 7 September 2024, dive into diverse programmes and activities offered to enrich appreciation of traditional arts, from captivating performances to dynamic art installations and interactive drop-in activities.
Discover Diverse Performances and Installations
Families can look forward to performances from four local performers that showcase multicultural traditional arts. For music enthusiast, immerse yourself in the syncretic sounds of Open Score Project as they present a captivating retelling of the folklore surrounding the naming of Redhill (Bukit Merah). This interactive adaptation engages children with storytelling that blends traditional narratives with modern performance art.
Image Credit: Open Score Project
You can enjoy a dazzling Kathakali dance by Bhaskar’s Arts Academy in their production of Cherita Singapura, alongside P7:1SMA’s Joget Putu Piring, an innovative open studio performance inspired by the preparation and serving of local Malay delicacy, putu piring.
Image Credit: P7_1SMA
Various genres of traditional Chinese Opera will also be showcased through the performance of Fledgelings Take Flight by Traditional Art Centre’s Young People’s Opera Theatre.
Image Credit: Traditional Arts Centre
Later on in the evening, families can witness two stunning art installations. Experience The Happiest Days of Our Lives by Rizman Putra, a blacklight immersive mural influenced by the rich history of Stamford Arts Centre. This installation aims to transport audiences into a bygone era of vintage illustrations, evoking a sense of nostalgia and charm.
Image Credit: Rizman Putra
Additionally, Through the Rose Window by Divaagar features a miniature house sculpture inspired by the children's singing game “In and Out the Cherry Window,” recalling the neighbouring Objectifs building’s history as a school and a chapel.
Image Credit: Diva Agar
Engage with Traditional Arts through Workshops by Artist-Tenants
Focusing on AHL’s mission to support Singapore’s vibrant arts sector and enrich lives through the transformative power of the arts, A Date with Tradition 2024 will feature various workshops by SAC’s artist-tenants and project studio hirers.
Let's delve into the world of Indian classical dance with Shantha Ratii Initiatives (SRI)’s in the De-coding Indian Dance workshop. Participants will explore the art of storytelling through captivating facial expressions and hand gestures or mudras that form essential components of Indian classical dance. Workshop fee is only $5!
Image Credit: Shantha Ratii Initiatives
For you, visual arts lovers, get your hands on Minhwa Art, a traditional Korean polychromatic art form that intricately weaves mythology and cultural insights together.
For this workshop, you can take home complimentary printed postcards featuring stunning artworks where you can use traditional materials and enjoy colouring activities. This workshop is free and open for both children and adults.
Image Credit: Singapore Association of Minhwa Art
Parents and children can also participate in the Stamp or Stitch! by Beadsbadwolf to craft and design a drawstring pouch by using traditional motif stamps or embroidering a floral pattern. This workshop allows kids to explore both stamping and embroidery techniques while creating a personalised keepsake.
Explore Traditional Activities and Nostalgic Old-School Games
A Date with Tradition 2024 invites families to engage and explore all activities set up around SAC as the back wall of SAC will be transformed by urban artist, ANTZ, in A Tapestry of Traditions – Community Mural. During this activity, families and the community are encouraged to participate in painting a mural that reflects traditional arts and the multiculturalism of Stamford Arts Centre and the Waterloo area.
Another activity to look forward to is the Chinese Opera Rhythmic Exercises, which offers a simple workout incorporating traditional Chinese opera body movements and gestures choreographed by the Traditional Arts Centre. If you are aiming to explore new fitness routines, this one is for you!
Image Credit: Traditional Arts Centre
And at the event, parents and children can also strengthen their bond through various drop-in activities like traditional crafts and games. These activities include hand beading in Beads That Bind where participants will get a chance to see and learn about intricate bead weaving from a master beader to begin their own beading.
Image Credit: Jackie Sam & Heath Yeo
There will also be a chance for families to experience weaving a giant tapestry. Contribute your unique strand to this large communal art installation with Community Upcycle Weaving! No weaving experience is needed.
Image Credit: Kamal Arts
Another highlight is the Under the Big Top by Bonfire Circus, where you will step into the world of circus arts and experience the thrill of mastering various circus skills. Kids will have the chance to try their hand at juggling, clowning, and other circus tricks in a fun and supportive environment!
Image Credit: Rogan Yeoh
And to maximize the fun, get ready to play giant versions of five stones, pick-up sticks, and eraser battles in UPSIZED Fun and Games! These classic games will bring back memories of the good old days.
Image Credit: Arts House Limited
Venue and Date
A Date with Tradition 2024 will be held every weekend for three weeks, from 23 August to 7 September 2024 at Stamford Arts Centre. Event hours start from 6:00 PM — 10:30 PM, except on 31 August and 7 September when the event starts earlier at 3:00 PM and ends at 10:30 PM.
Note that the event is free except for the workshops. Don't miss the dates and let's have fun with your family and friends! Visit A Date with Tradition for more details!
