Aliwal Urban Art Festival (AUAF) Ignites the Urban Spirit with an Electric Array of Unique Urban ART-tivities

Hi Huneybees,

Coming 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 and organised by Arts House Limited during the last weekend of Singapore Art Week 2024, get ready to be immersed in Singapore’s vibrant urban arts and culture scene through a series of exciting activities led by various renowned local urban arts groups and communities of different artistic practices. From activities like engaging visual art and dance workshops to exciting graffiti showcases, on top of open studio sessions, performances, and more, AUAF invites all to enjoy an eclectic array of free and ticketed unique art-ivities at the heart of the vibrant cultural enclave of Kampong Gelam.

Nine Years Theatre 
(Photo Credit: Yeo Siak Ling)

Spotlighting the growth of the urban art scene  

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, emphasizing the growth of the graffiti and street art movement in Singapore in its visual art showcases. 

Urban art collective and AAC tenant, RSCLS which has been actively engaged in and committed to AUAF since its inception in 2014, will present a special exhibition titled "The 10-Year Series - Retrospective of 10 Years of AUAF Art, Solidarity Movement, Rebel Daughters”. 

The exhibition showcases a decade's worth of archival works and images, providing a retrospective look at RSCLS' past programs and partnerships. You will get to witness live graffiti creations unfold right on the grounds of AAC, as graffiti competition GraffFIGHT X’s finalists battle it out for supremacy. Live painting sessions around AAC, including new feature wall murals, will also be happening at the same time. In addition, the alternative walking tour, D’Tour returns, where you get to immerse in the larger-than-life murals and street art decked out all around the Kampong Gelam precinct.

The Improv Company
(Photo Credit: Yeo Wei Lun)

Captivating performances and urban art encounters across different artistic practices

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 you will be treated to post-performance artist talks. If you are looking to learn the ways of self-expression through theatre, movement and art, look forward to participate in workshops facilitated by Nine Years Theatre, The Improv Company, Chowk Productions and DASSAD.  

The Chinese Opera Studio

Additionally, AAC tenants will also open their studios for visitors curious about their practice and works. Learn more about the interdisciplinary setup Hothouse and artists Chris Chai and Wolfsloth; drop by the studio of New Opera to hear them share 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.

Urban Sounds curated by The Linch Agency

(Acts by Akeem Jahat, Khally & YAØ)

Come nightfall, you 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. All are invited to join in the fun and dance the night away! 

These Brief Encounters by Chowk Productions
(Photo Credit: Crispian Chan)

Held in conjunction with Singapore Art Week (SAW) 2024, AUAF is a celebration of the precinct’s rich and diverse urban art scene, with free admission for the public. 

For more information on AUAF 2024, kindly visit https://artshouselimited.sg/aac-auaf-2024.

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