These days in our high paced, structured lifestyles sometimes we forget to stand back and just let our creative juices flow. Yes, as parents we do want to bring a little bit more culture into our family, but let’s be realistic – between the Mandarin tuition, Kumon, robotics, piano and football who has time for art?
Sound familiar? These are the excuses I have been making as well. 🙂 But YES we do have time and can make some time if we try. And to make it even easier for us to incorporate arts into our life, the National Arts Council (NAC) actually has an initiative called the Community Arts and Culture Nodes, a network of community touchpoints where you can get up close and personal with arts and culture!
As part of this initiative, NAC will be throwing an islandwide arts celebration called “Arts for All” which will take place from 15-26 February 2017. There will be an exciting lineup of over 25 arts and cultural activities, ranging from dance, music & theatrical performances, interactive art installations and hands on workshops. Most of the activities are free and you’ll probably be able to find one in your own community, so make sure to check it out.
Let me share with you the main highlights of the NAC’s February “Arts for All” lineup that would be great for kids as well as adults…
“Arts for All” February Highlights
– Fall in Love with Art –
Featuring An Effort Most Futile – by MessyMsxi (Tan Zi Xi)
Saturday, 18th February, 2017
11.00am & 1.00pm
Arts@SAFRA, SAFRA Mount Faber
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.
What’s more is that kids ages 13 and above (and adults as well) are invited to jointly create a painting with Tan Zi Xi in a hands-on activity inspired by the collection! But make sure to register for a slot in advance by calling 6377-3677.
Super Family Tip: By participating in a hands on art project, kids are able to actually visualize the harmful effects that we are having on the environment. This is an excellent way to get kids interested in recycling and reducing wastage in their own home and community.
– Arts by the Waterway –
Sunday, 19 February, 2017
1.00pm
Arts@SAFRA – SAFRA Punggol – Atrium, Level 3
The whole family can experience a fun afternoon of a cappella music and children’s theatrical performances by various artists at SAFRA Punggol, including Jade and Ashlee (winner of the ACappella Community Awards), and Singapore’s very own vocal rock band MICappella.
And for those of us with young kids, make sure to attend the fun and exciting tale of “The Rainbow Toymaker” by SweetTooth (Cake Theatrical Productions).
Super Family Tip: Live musical performances and theatre are a great way to for families to enjoy and watch a story come to life together. Don’t forget to have a discussion with your kids after on their favourite parts and characters. And when you get home, you can encourage your kids to put on a similar show for you.
– Music and Play! –
Saturday, 19 February 2017
2.00pm: Craft session
4.00pm: Music performance
Arts@SAFRA – SAFRA Jurong – Atrium, Level 1
Using just simple everyday objects such as pots and pans you can take part in this boisterous music programme that includes a stomping performance even as you pick up basic drumming skills, rhythms and grooves from artist Amit Gilboa.
Make sure you also attend the pre-performance workshop facilitated by Art Stories, where you can learn to create your very own music instruments! Something I am sure kids of all ages will love to participate in.
Super Family Art Tip: Use the skills you learn at the Music and Play session to make other instruments at home. Then use the instruments to perform in your own special family band. Who knows maybe your family will become the next YouTube sensation (practice does make perfect).
– Shadow. Art. Play! –
Saturday, 18 February, 2017
11.00am – 2.00pm
Arts@SAFRA – SAFRA Toa Payoh – Atrium, Level 1
In a specially built dark room, children and the young-at-heart can creatively explore the work of shadowplay. Shadowplay Art by Isabelle Desjuex is a highly-interactive experiential installation where children explore their creativity and changes the story as they move the light to create shadow art play on the inner walls.
Create your own paper ornament props with crafter Cheryl Teo between 11am to 2pm (while supplies last) and bring them into the dark room to play!
Super Family Tip: Shadowplay is a very easy activity to do at home as well. It takes very minimal effort to set-up and is a creative way for kids to express themselves through body language and everyday items. This is especially good for kids that are shy and have a hard time being in the spotlight.
– Lake to Land –
with Kim Whye Wee
Saturday, 26 February 2017
2.00pm
Our Gallery @ Taman Jurong – Taman Jurong CC
Front atrium of Taman Jurong Shopping Centre
Kids and adults will have the opportunity to contribute painted pebbles of symbols and memories of Jurong Lake Park to the Lake to Land visual art installation. The pebbles are displayed in the open space next to Taman Jurong Shopping Centre, which was co-created by community residents and artist Kim Whye Kee. This is a great way to show off not only your artistic skills, but also become a part of the community artwork and bond with family/neighbours in this unified piece.
In addition to being able to contribute your own specially designed pebble to the art installation, you can also register for a special tour by the artist Kim Whye Kee tour by emailing PA_TAMANJURONGCC@pa.gov.sg. The tour is from 3.00pm – 3.45pm and is limited to the first 20 registrants, so act fast. But if you are not able to get a slot, don’t fret, just download the Taman Jurong Art Trail tour by clicking here and embark on your own self-guided tour of other artworks around the neighborhood.
Super Family Tip: Let your kids take charge of the self-guided tour map and lead the way. This will help the kids get excited about the artwork and learn important navigation skills as well.
More Exciting Details
If you want to check out all the details for the upcoming activities, visit www.artsforall.sg. Also make sure to follow/like Arts for All on Instagram & Facebook (@artsforall.sg) to keep up to date on all the latest updates and monthly events!
Just FYI, if art isn’t enough for you to attend, to sweeten the deal NAC has some special tote bags to pass out. Just leave me a comment to say you are attending (in the comment box below or on FB) and I will let the organizers know to put something aside for your family (while supplies last).
Yes, Art is for All!! Looking forward to seeing you at the events.
-xoxo-
SuperMommy
