Artists, rappers, dancers, skateboarders will converge on Singapore later this month for a celebration of street and urban culture taking place at the Aliwal Arts Centre.
A diverse crew of artists from around the region will front their talents on Jan. 18 at the seventh Aliwal Urban Art Festival. Top acts include Thai vocalist Pyra, local dance sensation ScRach MarcS, and mural art team Rscls will create and perform while tackling the impact of urban subcultures on the individual through shows, tours, workshops, and exhibitions.
Here are some highlights to look out for.
Street art that will change your perception
Art collective Rscls will lead visitors on a journey through the Kampong Glam neighborhood’s graffiti treasures.
The OGs have added a creative twist combining technology and visual arts with the iconic murals that put Kampong Glam on the map. Tour the streets’ murals tricked out with AR technology to narrate hidden stories of the past.
From 4pm to 8pm, the group will stage a live outdoor painting on Aliwal Street with other artists in an experimental effort where visitors will be able to participate and leave their mark.
Visit the What If Exhibition at the Aliwal Art Centre’s music studio, which explores street art in the form of street, graffiti, and mural art.
The ‘DTour of Kampong Glam happens every hour from 4pm to 7pm, with each tour one hour long. Tours setting out from the Aliwal Arts Centre Music Studio are free but require online registration.
Street music to your ears
It wouldn’t be a street fest without music, and Jan. 18 will offer plenty, from alternative and hip-hop to R&B. Performers include YouTuber and rapper Preetipls, whose acid wit has both amused and provoked; Thai vocalist Pyra; local newbs Mediocre Haircut Crew, beatsmith Tengyboy and BigDBangla.
Performances run 6pm to 10pm on the Aliwal Street Stage.
‘You can dance, you can jive.’
See bodies in motion in several shows staged by local dance duo ScRach MarcS and Flowt Collective.
Flowt Collective’s five contemporary and theatrical dancers will throw down a mix of their styles at What If… Flowt is Back? It goes down 6:30pm to 7:30pm in the multi-purpose hall; book S$15 tickets here. Capping off the whole event will be ScRach MarcS’ festival closer What If… We Had A Party Right Now? from 8:30pm to 11:30pm in the same hall.
Street culture art through skateboarding
Prepare to be blown away by skating daredevils when SkateSG and Vans bring a kinetic display of flying decks. Expect raw talent to be on display as some of the best compete for a prize and bragging rights. Visitors are invited to learn from Vans-sponsored skaters on hand to demonstrate what they do at the Skate Mini-Clinic. All skating events are free and happen between 4pm and 10pm in the Aliwal Street Carpark.
FIND IT
Aliwal Urban Art Festival
4pm-midnight, Jan. 18
Aliwal Arts Centre
28 Aliwal Street
Related:
Singapore Art Week: Our picks for the best of the best to see
