With retail and food pop-ups, plus art installations showcasing varying interpretations of the “Singapore Story”, this lifestyle fest spotlights more than 100 local (or locally-based) designers, craftsmen, artists, chefs, mixologists, and creatives in a line-up put together by Carolyn Kan of jewelry label Carrie K and artist SKL0.
It’s called Keepers Playground of Infinite Happiness, and its activities will span 10 days at the National Design Centre.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by all that stuff going on across five levels of the building, well — we’ve got a little breakdown below to help with navigate that space.
Have a bite to eat
Fuel up on Tanuki Raw’s Japanese and American street food offerings, Old Seng Choong’s traditional baked goods with a local twist — think cereal prawn or laksa cookies — a cup of Fossa Chocolate’s hot chocolate made from sustainably-sourced cacao beans, and a limited edition Yakult Swirl gelato by Butterknife Folk before you traipse across the building.
Immerse yourself in art
Beeing Human
Baëlf Design’s continuation of its previous wearable art collection, this exhibition displays quirky, fashion-related pieces with unexpected elements, such as the Sabot de Venus, a cape blending 3D printed parts and elaborate crystal embellishments from Swarovski.
Funan Playsuite
Those who want a glimpse of the former IT mall before it reopens can walk through an immersive virtual reality experience of the revamped concept. Here, you’ll find a Lego model of Funan built to scale to satisfy any curiosities you may have about the place.
House of Happie
After you make your way through the “Tunnel of Giggles”, featuring an abundance of psychedelic works on Tyvek by Tina Fung and Reza Hasni, head over to Kristine Hakim’s “Magic Mushrooms” installation for plenty of Insta-worthy shots. Finally, you’ll end up at the House of Happie, a caricature of eight HDB flats across two floors, created in collaboration between architects and 32 artists, including the likes of Friendly Jerry, Yellow Mushmellow, and Allison M Low.
This is the place to unleash your inner child with SKL0’s musical hopscotch, which produces ambient sounds when stepped on, or battle it out at ping pong with OneMaker Group’s work at the “void deck”.
Playhouse
This mini living installation in the courtyard is inspired by the rise of shared economy, to show what can be done in the space of vacant carparks as car sharing services grow in popularity. The work of AD Labs and Lightrus also features a smart kitchen design to inspire ideas on urban planning.
Rewire
Done up by Ideas Empire, this concept transforms regular brick-and-mortar shop facades into “visually dynamic surfaces” via smart programming that uses image recognition and voice sensors to generate content targeted at you.
The Tiger Orchid
Artist Mighty Yellow’s latest botanical motif is a pattern of a proposed future, sort of an evolved rendition of the Tiger Orchid, otherwise known as the world’s largest orchid.
Topsy-Turvy Paper City
An upside-down paper installation consisting of monochrome paper structures to symbolize the mundane quality of city life, this work sees the elements transforming into an enchanting, ethereal garden of paper blooms as visitors stroll through.
Let your creativity flow
Intrigued by edible flowers? Check out workshops by WeirdandWonderful Edibles (W.W. Edibles), where you’ll find out how to identify, organically grow, and harvest these blooms to pair with savory and sweet dishes.
To get hands on with embroidery on textiles, swing by Kae Hana’s space and contribute to the creation of a permanent embroidery installation that will sit at the National Design Centre after the event ends.
If you’re more of a words person, sign up for the creative writing therapy class by Singapore Literature Prize nominee Ning Cai to learn about how writing can empower you in stressful times.
For parents with little ones, The Curious Design Network’s robot making workshop will teach your kids how to transform old items into upcycled toys.
Shop your heart out
For a bout of retail therapy, browse through more than 50 labels on display here, including Lark and Peony’s heritage-inspired womenswear, The Farm Store’s quirky Singaporean-style knick knacks, Ling Wu’s exotic leather bags, Carrie K’s newly launched Star Collection of accessories, and a Keepers exclusive by Binary Style with printed scarves in two colors.
FIND IT:
Keepers Playground of Infinite Happiness is on from July 27-Aug 5, 11am-9pm at National Design Centre, 111 Middle Road
Retail pop-ups July 27-29 & Aug 3-5; art installations July 27-Aug 5.
Free admission
MRT: Bugis/Bras Basah
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