Go on a virtual adventure with Ollie the otter, take a peek into the world of a puppeteer and hop into the back of a truck to see Pasir Ris like never before. These are just some of the exciting experiences lined up as Arts in Your Neighbourhood 2021 heads to Pasir Ris from 11 to 28 March.
Inspired by Pasir Ris and its residents, a carefully curated mix of activities will be found at locations like Pasir Ris Park, White Sands, Downtown East and online.
Arts in Your Neighbourhood 2021, Pasir Ris Edition
Encounter visual art installations at unexpected places, view engaging exhibitions and enjoy online performances as you rediscover Pasir Ris through the eyes of local artists. You can contribute your perspective too, by sharing stories at a pop-up recording booth or taking part in a colouring activity with limited edition AYN tote bags to be redeemed.
This initiative by the National Arts Council is a great way for families to have an arts encounter together and a great opportunity to introduce the little ones to the wonders of the arts. Head over to Pasir Ris over the next few weekends and you can even pair it with an idyllic day out to Pasir Ris Park.
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Here are some Arts in Your Neighbourhood 2021 highlights to keep an eye out for this March.
Top Events for Families
Stories On Site: On Trek to Otter Greatness
Ollie the otter is on a quest to become the next clan leader. However, he needs your help to navigate his way through Pasir Ris in search of fellow animal friends. Families can enjoy this online “choose-your-own-adventure” game which will bring you around a virtual Pasir Ris to solve riddles and unlock new paths. This interactive story game will keep young ones thinking and entertained.
Dates: 11 to 28 March
Available online here during the event dates
Kotak Foto
Kotak Foto means “Photo Box” and at this exciting programme, you will literally be placed in one. The back of a 14-foot truck has been converted into a massive pinhole camera. Participants will find themselves immersed in a pinhole photography experience, taking in the sights and sounds of Pasir Ris. Complete the experience at Pasir Ris Park where a fun pinhole photography installation awaits. Be sure to book your tickets early here to get a spot.
Dates: 13, 14, 18 to 21 March
Timeslots: 10 am to 1 pm, 3 pm to 5 pm
Where: Pasir Ris Park Area 2
PODSCAPE — Sounds and Stories of The City
Don’t be surprised to see a bright yellow pod in the middle of the verdant Pasir Ris Park. This is a mobile recording booth which anyone can visit to “deposit” their thoughts and memories of Pasir Ris. Inside, be inspired by the sounds of the neighbourhood and a “new normal” musical experience. Any story that you contribute, along with that of other community experts, may be featured as part of a podcast on Pasir Ris.
Dates: 20 & 21 March
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Pasir Ris Park (Near Carpark E, Adjacent to Fitness Corner)
Art Experiences around Pasir Ris
The Puppeteer Prepares
Part 1 of a two-part experience by The Finger Players, The Puppeteer Prepares – The Film provides a behind-the-scenes look at how puppeteers and puppet-makers have been coping with the pandemic. It tells of how the community and individuals have united, and how a family has found new ways of staying together through the art of puppetry.
In the second part of The Puppeteer Prepares, you can visit the Pasir Ris Public Library to view The Exhibition which shows the process of transforming a puppet from an idea to an animate object in the hands of a skilled puppeteer. It also provides a wider overview of the history of puppetry around the world.
Dates:
The Film – 20 March, 10 am to 10.45 am, NAC Facebook
The Exhibition – 20 to 28 March, 11 am to 9 pm, Pasir Ris Public Library,
Api Api’s Dreams
The façade of White Sands Shopping Centre will turn into a canvas for a captivating light projection titled Api Api’s Dreams. Inspired by Sungei Api Api and Pasir Ris residents’ love for nature, the light show imagines what the river would dream about, if it could. The multi-sensorial work incorporates sounds taken from an evening walk along Sungei Api Api, together with original music specially composed by local artists.
Dates: 18 to 28 March
Time: 7.45 pm to 9.30 pm
Where: White Sands façade facing Pasir Ris Central St 3
The Story Of A Place Is In Its Name
Go on a visual arts walking trail around Pasir Ris to view the neighbourhood through a fresh pair of eyes. You will encounter works inspired by the sea, flora and fauna, and discover forgotten names of places that once existed in Pasir Ris. We hear that there will be code words at each of the visual art installations. Form a sentence with them and submit your answers here to win a limited edition goodie bag.
Dates: 11 to 28 March
Find out where to view the artworks here.
Archipelago
Archipelago is an interactive, large-scale, mixed-media installation which features video art and sculptures. It is a co-creation of artist Jaxton Su and residents in the neighbourhood. The work reinforces the saying that “no man is an island” and collectively imagines a paradise island based on memories of Pasir Ris.
Dates: 11 to 28 March
Time: 10 am to 10 pm
Where: E! Avenue @ Downtown East, Level 1
Arts in Your Neighbourhood 2021 Pasir Ris Edition Colouring Contest
Inspired by all the art experiences? Kids (and adults) can have fun with a colouring activity. Look out for the upcoming colouring contest on Instagram (@NACSingapore). Get creative colouring in chalets, water slides and even the sampan playground before sharing your artistic best on Instagram with hashtags #ArtsInYourNeighbourhood and tagging @NACSingapore. You may be rewarded with a special edition Pasir Ris tote bag. Be sure to set your profile to public to participate.
Music Performances Online
This March, enjoy musical performances on the National Arts Council’s official Facebook page. Soak in the sounds of the Gendang Akustika Ensemble, jazz group Brahmastra and the Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra as they bring you music inspired by Pasir Ris, its residents and stories of the past.
The Voices, The Stories and The Reminiscence by Brahmastra
When: 21 March, 6 pm to 6.45 pm
Watch here
Dendang Warisan (Songs of Heritage) — Pasir Ris by Gendang Akustika Ensemble
When: 27 March, 10 am to 10.45 am
Watch here
Birds’ Serenade at Pasir Ris by Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra
When: 28 March, 6 pm to 6.45 pm
Watch here
All online performances will be on the @NACSingapore Facebook page.
Reconnect and Relax with the Arts this March 2021
This March, take a break from work, stress and hectic schedules and experience Pasir Ris from a new perspective with family and friends. Remember to share your experiences with the hashtag #ArtsInYourNeighbourhood and like and follow @NACSingapore on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
Find out more about
Arts in Your Neighbourhood 2021, March Pasir Ris Edition.
This feature is brought to you by the National Arts Council.