7 Family-friendly (& Free!) Arts Events Happening at a Neighbourhood Near You

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I remember during the toddler years of Ash and Ayd (gosh, that seemed like so long ago!), the only arts and culture-related activities that the wifey and I brought them to consisted of mainly children's plays at theatres. Well, the arts scene has definitely evolved with art and cultural performances moving to the heartlands, closer to the general public... and in most cases, they are FREE!

The monkies thoroughly enjoyed the Arts in Your Neighbourhood programme over the past 2 years, which featured a series of free and enjoyable arts activities by established artists and arts groups, at various parts of the island right at different neighbourhoods.

And this February, Arts for All - an initiative by National Arts Council - presents plenty of arts and cultural activities for everyone in the family to enjoy together! Taking place from 15 to 26 February 2017 at various arts and culture nodes around Singapore, Arts for All aims to promote self-expression, creativity and bonding through the arts by bringing it where people live, work and play.

With over 25 arts and cultural activities ranging from dance, music and theatrical performances, and even interactive visual art installations and hands-on workshops, there is something for everyone and all ages... but yes, it can get a teeny mind-boggling at the same time.

So I have done the homework for you and picked out the 7 most happening art events happening near you over the 2 upcoming February weekends. And did I mention they are ALL FREE for everyone to enjoy???

1. Let the kids create a ruckus with pots & pans

Take part in this boisterous music programme that uses everyday objects such as pots and pans to create a stomping performance and pick up basic drumming skills, rhythms and grooves from artist Amit Gilboa.

Remember to join the pre-performance workshop facilitated by Art Stories and bring everyday items to life as you learn to create your very own music instruments.

Arts@SAFRA: Music and Play!
Venue: SAFRA Jurong, Atrium, Level 1
Date: 19 Feb 2017
Time: 2pm - 5pm (2pm: Craft session | 4pm: Music performance)

2. Kids can tell their own stories using shadowplay

In a specially built dark room, children and the young-at-heart can creatively explore the work of shadowplay. Shadowplay by Isabelle Desjuex, in collaboration with Playeum, is a highly-interactive experiential installation where children explore their creativity and change the story as they move the light to create shadow art play on the inner walls. 

Also, kids can create their own paper ornament props with crafter Cheryl Teo between 11am to 2pm (while supplies last) and bring them into the dark room to play!

Arts@SAFRA: Shadow. Art. Play!

Venue: SAFRA Toa Payoh, Atrium, Level 1

Date: 18 Feb 2017

Time: 11am - 2pm

3. Immerse in an afternoon of music & theatre

Head on down for a fun afternoon consisting of music performances by young talents, Jade and Ashlee (winner of the A Cappella Community Awards), and Singapore’s very own vocal rock band MICappella.

Families with young children can also look forward to a visually exciting tale of The Rainbow Toymaker by Sweet Tooth (Cake Theatrical Productions). Don't forget to let the kiddos create their own pencil holder or mini vase from recycled materials too!

Arts@SAFRA: A Cappella Music and Children's Theatrical Performances

Venue: SAFRA Punggol, Level 3, Atrium

Date: 19 Feb 2017

Time: 1pm - 4pm (1pm - A Cappella Performances & 3pm - The Rainbow Toymaker)

4. Expose the kids to the consequences of environmental pollution

Get a chance to view five artworks from Singapore illustrator and installation artist Tan Zi Xi's An Effort Most Futile collection up-close. The artworks enlarge the negative effects of plastic consumption and wastage, so as to encourage people to reflect on its repercussions on environmental pollution. Visitors aged 13 years and above are also invited to jointly create a painting with Tan Zi Xi in a hands-on fringe activity inspired by the collection. To register for a slot, call 6377 3677.

Arts@SAFRA: Visual Arts Display & Activity

Venue: SAFRA Mount Faber, Atrium, Level 1

Date: 18 Feb 2017

Time: 11am - 2pm

5. Contribute a painted pebble to an art installation

Contribute painted pebbles of symbols and memories of Jurong Lake Park to Lake to Land, a visual art installation at the open space next to Taman Jurong Shopping Centre that was co-created by residents and artist Kim Whye Kee over 6 months in 2016. Don’t miss the artwork tour by artist Kim Whye Kee or embark on a self-guided tour of the Taman Jurong Art Trail to visit other artworks around the neighbourhood.

To register for the artwork tour*, please email PA_TAMANJURONGCC@pa.gov.sg.

To download the self-guided Taman Jurong Art Trail, visit www.tamanjurong.sg/ourgallery.

*Artist-led tour of Lake to Land artwork: 3pm-3.45pm (limited to first 20 registrants)

Our Gallery At Taman Jurong: Lake to Land

Venue: Front atrium of Taman Jurong Shopping Centre

Date: 26 Feb 2017

Time: 2pm - 5pm

6. Attend a kids' play right in one of Singapore's oldest estates

Look forward to a jolly good time with your young children at The Rainbow Toymaker, a visually exciting theatrical performance that is part of a regular line-up of arts programmes in spaces around Queenstown. Performed by Sweet Tooth (Cake Theatrical Productions), expect a magical tale told through a dynamic interplay of music, costumes, larger-than-life props and storytelling.

Arts@My Queenstown: The Rainbow Toymaker

Venue: Blk 88 Tanglin Halt Road (opposite Commonwealth MRT Station)

Date: 26 Feb 2017

Time: 7.30pm - 8.30pm

7. Bask under the stars at an open-air film screening

Enjoy an evening of short films by award-winning Singaporean directors including Anthony Chen and Sun Koh. Exploring different facets of daily life with a brilliant combination of heart-warming comedy, thrilling animations and free popcorn, this made-in-Singapore showcase will be the family event to look forward to in your hood.

Arts@Our Tampines Hub: Cinema'Hood

Venue: Our Tampines Hub, Festive Plaza

Date: 25 Feb 2017

Time: 7pm - 8pm

BONUS!
Attend any Arts for All event and look for its staff to complete a short survey, and you will walk away with a TOTE BAG! While stocks last.

And if you are posting your experience on social media, don’t forget to share your art appreciation with the hashtag #artsforallsg!

Useful Details

Arts for All 2017

Dates: 15 - 26 Feb 2017

For the full listing of all Arts for All activities, visit artsforall.sg/events.aspx.

For more information, head to artsforall.sg.