Singapore Night Festival returns to the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct themed the Art of Play!
Venue: Bras Basah.Bugis Precinct
Dates: 23 Aug - 7 Sep 2024
Admission: Free
The Singapore Night Festival (SNF) returns to the Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) precinct for its 15th edition this year, bigger than ever! Happening from 23 August to 7 September 2024, the festival will take place over three weekends for the first time. Organised by the National Heritage Board (NHB), and supported by Lead Sponsor Samsung Singapore, Singapore’s largest nocturnal experience takes festival-goers on a journey to explore and learn about the rich history of the precinct, with over 50 programmes including projection mapping artworks, performances, Festival Villages, Night Lights installations and partner programmes.
Here's taking a closer look at what you can expect:
Highlight Act: Wonder World – The Machine of Nostalgia
Photo Credit: Sam Lo
Prepare to be transported to the whimsically charming amusement parks of Singapore’s yesteryears as local contemporary artist Sam Lo (a.k.a SKL0) presents Wonder World – The Machine of Nostalgia. This captivating experience reimagines the entrancing magic of 1950s “great world” amusement parks in Singapore, inviting visitors to ponder the co-existence and balance between preserving heritage and embracing modernity, and the place of nostalgia in today’s society.
What is an amusement park without amusements? Wonder World invites all to immerse themselves in a nostalgic wonderland, complete with rides, game stalls, nostalgic trades and even a wrestling ring where festival-goers can witness a unique fusion between wrestling and poetry, featuring iconic characters from Singapore’s past, among other live performances on the Wonder World grounds. Festival-goers can also win (or if all else fails, buy!) something to commemorate their visit at the Meritocratic Gift Shop, which features game stalls that challenge achievement-focused culture, before jumping into a quirky experience at The Bizarre Bazaar, where trades of the past are reimagined for modern consumers.
Photo Credit: Kristal Melson
Photo Credit: New World Plaza
Photo Credit: Ben Qwek / LABSIXFIVE
Photo Credit: Djohan Hanapi
Festival-goers can also check out larger-than-life billboards featuring a series of murals by SKL0 and local artists Djohan Hanapi, Ben Qwek/LABSIXFIVE, Kristal Melson and New World Plaza. Presenting artworks are set in an alternate 1950s universe and inspired by Samsung’s Galaxy AI, inviting festival-goers to reimagine a divergent path and consider the possibilities and implications of a world shaped by innovative technologies during our growing years.
Early bird ticket sales for Wonder World – The Machine of Nostalgia will run from 17 July to 17 August 2024, at $20. Tickets will go at $25 from 18 August to 7 September 2024 - tickets are available here now!
Activities at the Children's Museum Singapore
Families can take part in a special after-hours Open House where families get to explore the museum's interactive exhibit and activities! There will also be an outdoor roving performance, The Tree of Dreams where you will be following a young camper on a magical journey through an enchanted forest. This will be a whimsical journey to find the Tree of Dreams in an interactive adventure that promises a night of wonder for all ages.
There will also be an immersive installation and workshop, Dive into Nesting Resting, 1 2 3!, where families can reflect on what makes a home special and engage in activities that explore the essence of play and creativity.
Night Lights Installations
The Happiest Days of Our Lives by Rizman Putra
Night Lights will once again transform everyday spaces around the BBB precinct with 10 site-specific luminous installations, inspired by the concept of play. At Stamford Arts Centre (SAC), The Happiest Days of Our Lives by Rizman Putra evokes childhood nostalgia as it showcases images from the early 60s-90s with the vintage illustrations. Inspired by SAC’s long history as home to various educational institutions, this blacklight immersive mural aims to transport festival-goers into a vibrant neon realm that pays homage to the bygone eras.
Delulu High by Pop Glitterfreak Collective
At Bugis Street Art Lane, a new location for SNF, Delulu High by Pop Glitterfreak Collective reimagines tough school memories into a vibrant, safe and reflective haven for all to enjoy. Inspired by the inner child in all of us, along with our shared hopes and dreams, this creative installation transforms a lively gymnasium space – often perceived as a tough and heavy environment – into a place that is light, soft and feminine. Right after, festival-goers can explore the Disco Bus and Affirmation Steps, both designed to reimagine the dreaded aspects of school into playful and healing experiences.
Fortune Beads by KIMBAB:)
Photo Credit: KIMBAB:)
Thai interactive installation artist KIMBAB:) specialises in lighting projects that explore human behaviour, blending art and technology into each creation to provoke genuine smiles and moments of joy. Located at Funan Mall, Fortune Beads is an immersive interactive installation designed to engage audiences in a thrilling race against time with its vibrant visual display and captivating game play. The structure of the installation is inspired by the beads of the abacus, which was a tool of commerce, and references Funan Mall’s links to both commerce and a place of play across generations.
Scents of Being by Aesop
Photo Credit: Aesop
Cosmetics and skincare brand Aesop presents Scents of Being at the National Design Centre, promising an exploration of the deep connection between scent and self. This multisensory experience takes place in a mythical forest where each of Aesop’s eleven Eau de Parfum will serve as a guiding light, inviting festival-goers on a journey of aromatic discovery, evoking childlike wonder and curiosity. Among these, a new fragrance awaits to be unveiled.
Red House Café by Jaxton Su
Photo Credit: Jaxton Su
Did you know that there was once a Red House bakery which graced the site of Carlton Hotel in Singapore? Artist Jaxton Su will be paying homage and transporting festival-goers back in time with Red House Café, an experiential public artwork adorned with geometric shapes reminiscent of popular bakery items like curry puffs and cakes.
First Flight by Aaron Lim & Quek Jia Qi
Photo Credit: Aaron Lim & Quek Jia Qi
Festival-goers at Armenian Street will be greeted by a larger-than-life illuminated paper plane, offering a major throwback to childhood and nostalgia. Taking inspiration from BBB’s history and in honour of the former schools in the precinct, First Flight by Aaron Lim and Quek Jia Qi also reflects the imaginative spirit of students. The interactive installation will be accompanied with an activity that hopes to encourage contemplation and imagination.
Projection Mapping
SNF 2024 will see the return of projection mapping installations, a festival staple, showcasing a blend of nostalgia, imagination and creativity. These installations will illuminate the facades of two cultural buildings in the BBB precinct, both of which were once schools, inviting everyone to rediscover the joy of play and artistic expression.
Peranakan Museum
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Between Threads: Interactive Art installation and facade projection mapping by Clare Chong, Jennifer O’Connor, Taufiq Hidayat, Jaymi McManus, and Kin Leonn
Photo Credit: Clare Chong, Jennifer O’Connor, Taufiq Hidayat, Jaymi McManus, Kin Leonn
The Peranakan Museum will host a projection mapping work for SNF for the first time. Featuring a co-created work by regional artists and international collectives, Between Threads by Singaporean film director Clare Chong, Jennifer O’Connor and Taufiq Hidyat celebrates intricate artistry and diverse perspectives of Peranakan communities.
Inspired by an unfinished beaded panel at the Peranakan Museum, this interactive art experience reimagines its potential through touch and gesture. Featuring facade projections and dynamic visuals by artists Clare Chong, Jennifer O’Connor, Taufiq Hidayat, Jaymi McManus, and Kin Leonn, the display celebrates Peranakan artistry and invites visitors to explore and transform the panel's intricate beadwork collaboratively. The original unfinished panel can be viewed in the Decorative Textiles Gallery on Level 3, leaving one question: Why was it never finished?
CHIJMES
CHIJMES will come alive with four captivating works that are part of the SNF Projection Masterclass led by Shakir (a.k.a Grasshopper), a Malaysian multimedia digital artist and a co-founder of Filamen, an art collective specialising in projection mapping, light installations and interactive projects. Annually, as part of SNF’s capability building initiatives, SNF selects up to four artists with limited projection mapping experience to join the Projection Masterclass Series. This series includes multiple training sessions designed to introduce and equip participants with fundamental projection mapping techniques. This year’s four featured artists are Yanyun Chen and Alex Scollay, Rachaodoodles, Aaah House and deniseardenise.
PINBOLA by Yanyun Chen and Alex Scollay
Photo Credit: Yanyun Chen & Alex Scollay
Embracing the festival’s theme, the Art of Play, artists Yanyun Chen and Alex Scollay present PINBOLA, their fourth collaboration. The artwork is a multi-level pinball machine brimming with childhood toys and artefacts, offering a playful escape from our mundane daily routines to show that the only way forward is up! Like their previous works, PINBOLA explores social themes in Singapore, blending digital and analogue elements to offer a respite from everyday life and inspire dreams.
Play Downstairs by Rachodoodles
Play Downstairs by Rachel captures the magic of children’s imagination, turning something mundane into the extraordinary instruments and wonderlands, demonstrating that while times change the creative spirit of childhood remains constant.
Whimsical Odyssey by Aaah
On the topic of retaining the beautiful ability to create imaginative fantasies with no boundaries, festival-goers can become the architect of their own adventure with Whimsical Odyssey by Aaah, where ordinary objects transform into gateways of extraordinary journeys.
A Prototype of Play by deniseardenise
A Prototype of Play by deniseardenise also reminds us that, regardless of age, our minds retain the ability to create games and find joy in what we make.
Festival Villages
Twilight Playground @ GR.iD
SNF 2024 introduces four Festival Villages, each with its own identity and character. This includes the debut of a late-night Festival Village (beyond midnight!) Twilight Playground @ GR.iD, inspired by GR.iD’s youth-orientated offerings and edgy vibes. The Festival Village will transform into an interactive playground with an escape room experience, beer garden among other culinary experiences.
And Three Other Returning Festival Villages
The other three returning festival villages are:
- SMU Arts Fest 2024: PLAY
- Festival Village @ CHIJMES
- PIXEL PARADISE at Armenian Street
Partner Programmes
SNF 2024 will feature a line-up of performances across the festival’s weekends, celebrating creativity, heritage and the community. These include various “mini-festivals” and programmes by BBB stakeholders which will be happening alongside SNF 2024.
Xinyao Singalong @ Bras Basah Complex
Among the highlights is a Xinyao Singalong @ Bras Basah Complex, hosted by 96.3 Hao FM DJs including Jing Yun (Carine Ang) and co-organised with the Bras Basah Merchants Association. Inspired by the xinyao singalong held at Bras Basah Complex a decade ago as part of The Songs We Sang, a 2015 Singaporean documentary directed by Eva Tang, the singalong will be making its return as part of SNF 2024. Festival-goers are invited to immerse themselves in the nostalgic tunes of xinyao, a genre of homegrown Singaporean music that holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Voices of Singapore Festival
Photo Credits: National Heritage Board (unless otherwise stated)
The Voices of Singapore Festival, Singapore's largest non-competitive choral event, will be taking place alongside SNF for the first time. Organised by Voices of Singapore, the festival will feature a diverse range of activities including concerts, singalongs, as well as solo and a cappella performances within BBB.
For more information, please visit: https://www.nightfestival.gov.
