On 27 January 2024, the Aliwal Urban Art Festival (AUAF) organised by Arts House Limited (AHL) will feature an electric array of urban art activities led by tenants from Aliwal Arts Centre (AAC) and various renowned local urban art groups and communities of different artistic practices. Held at AAC, visitors can expect to feast their eyes on a series of street art showcases including live graffiti painting and competition, as well as unique music and dance performances and more; all at the heart of Kampong Gelam’s vibrant cultural enclave.
Staying true to the essence of AUAF which is dedicated to celebrating the distinctive local urban art scene, this year’s Festival spotlights the development of urban artworks, emphasising the growth of the graffiti and street art movement in Singapore in its visual art showcases.
The Festival will enliven the precinct with a day full of urban art activities spanning visual arts, dance, and music. The three-storey arts centre will be invigorated by energetic performances from percussion ensemble NADI Singapura and improvised theatre group The Improv Company, in addition to captivating dance performances by Kalpavriksha Fine Arts and Chowk Productions, where audiences will be treated to post-performance artist talks. Visitors looking to learn the ways of self-expression through theatre, movement and art can also look forward to participating in workshops facilitated by Nine Years Theatre, The Improv Company, Chowk Productions and DASSAD.
Additionally, AAC tenants will also open their studios for visitors curious about their practice and works. Learn more about interdisciplinary setup Hothouse and artists Chris Chai and Wolfsloth; drop by the studio of New Opera to hear them share on vocal and acting tips, and swing by the Chinese Opera Studio to watch how opera performers transform themselves through makeup and costumes.
Those who relish the joy of finding unexpected treasures can also check out the Pop-Up Market which will feature a selection of one-of-a-kind wares by local creatives brought together by The Social Exchange.
Come nightfall, visitors can indulge in the hip-hop music acts curated by The Linch Agency, and groove to the beats of dynamic street dance duo ScRach MarcS, who will close the night with their Re:Union Party against the backdrop of graffiti and street art of Kampong Gelam.
Venue: Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
When: 27 Jan 2024, from 12noon
