*SCAPE Creative Arts Festival comma Makes a Comeback, Celebrating Youth Artistry and Community Spirit

Hi Huneybees,

The *SCAPE Creative Arts Festival - comma, is set to make a grand return from January 12 to 28, 2024. During this period, it will highlight the exceptional talents of youth across various artistic disciplines. The festival's theme for this year, "Disruption," not only mirrors *SCAPE's physical evolution but also encapsulates its ethos, encouraging young artists to explore innovative approaches and involve audiences in their creative exploration.

The festival offers an immersive fusion of music, dance, visual arts, and interdisciplinary expressions. Standout events include Music Day Out on January 13 and 14, showcasing a diverse lineup of local and regional artists. Additionally, MOV:MENT Lab presents a screening of intricate dances and films inspired by movement.

 

Emphasising *SCAPE's role within the Somerset Belt, comma serves as a platform for up-and-coming youth talent, fostering mentorship and cross-disciplinary collaboration with industry stakeholders like RAW Moves (Contemporary Dance), World Supremacy Battlegrounds (street Dance), and Steady State Records (Music). 

Organized specifically to spotlight budding youth talent, comma sets itself apart by featuring a dynamic array of performances and exhibitions by young creators that celebrate youthful creativity while serving as a safe space for those who are interested in exploring and discovering new art disciplines and bridging different genres.  

"Scars, Skins, and Styles: Physical Transfigurations" Exhibition

Date: 13 to 28 January 2024 Opening Hours: 12pm to 9pm (Closed on Mondays) 

Venue: *SCAPE #02-07/08

 

Jamela Law, a local visual artist, explores the boundaries in her exhibition titled "Scars, Skins, and Styles: Physical Transfigurations." This immersive experience weaves together digital technologies and fashion co-designing as experimental tools for art therapy, harnessing the influential concept of Enclothed Cognition. Through Virtual Reality, it delves into mediation, introspection, and reinvention, providing a distinctive and immersive journey into the realms of healing and self-discovery. It brings attention to often overlooked subjects such as LGBTQ+, depression, and disability - topics that many tend to avoid or shy away from discussing openly.

Funded by the Community Arts Residency, this project strives to establish warm-hearted, celebratory, and inclusive networks that foster healing while bridging interpersonal distances, facilitating metamorphosis one step at a time. Jamela Law's dedication to initiating conversations about mental health and creating impactful art is clearly evident at the core of this endeavor.

Artist Talk Date: 20 January 2024 Time: 4pm to 5pm Venue: *SCAPE #02-07/08

Details: Jamela Law shares her evolving journey as an artist, spanning across fashion, visual arts, and art therapy, along with the challenges she faced.

Artist-Led Tour
Date: 21 January 2024
Time: 4pm to 4:45pm, 6pm to 6:45pm
Venue: *SCAPE #02-07/08
Details: 30-45 minute tours curated by the artist offer a guided perspective on the creative process, techniques, aspirations, and challenges. Explore fashion, society, and culture through various viewpoints.

Panel Discussion: Art & Mental Health
Date: 28 January 2024
Time: 4pm to 5:30pm
Venue:* *SCAPE #02-07/08
Details: A panel discussion featuring artists working in the space of arts & mental health, including Jamela Law, Quinn Lam, and Yoko Choi, facilitated by Alecia Neo. They will discuss approaches, share case studies, and explore the future of arts & mental health. 

MOV:MENT Lab
Date: 13 to 28 January 2024
Opening Hours: 2pm to 8:30pm 
Venue: *SCAPE #03-08/09

The MOV:MENT Lab pledges to take audiences on a cinematic voyage through the diverse realms of dance. It showcases six meticulously curated dance films that push the boundaries of expression and movement. Each film, distinguished by its unique theme and artistic approach, adds to the vibrant tapestry of the Arts Festival. These are the lineup of films:

“Body Missing Body” by Grace Song
In Grace Song's "Body Missing Body," the artist draws inspiration from post-war Japanese avant-garde dance forms, delving into themes of separation and memory. The film assures a visually and emotionally captivating exploration of the repercussions of historical events on the human experience. It challenges viewers to contemplate the intersection of movement and memory, prompting thoughtful reflection.

“FR:AGILITY” by Amanda Tan & Jonit On
Amanda Tan and Jonit On join forces in "FR:AGILITY," a collaborative film that explores the abstract dimensions of human form and movement. Anticipate a visually striking experience that defies conventional notions of dance, encouraging the audience to ponder the intricacies of the human body in motion.

“hard boil, soft centre” by Sonia Kwek & Elsa Wong
In "hard boil, soft centre," a collaboration between Sonia Kwek and Elsa Wong, the film draws inspiration from feminine archetypes across cultures. This visual exploration transforms these archetypes into a dance form, providing a reflection of the intricate complexities and nuances inherent in the concept of femininity.

“I Summon You” by Jeremy Ho & Liz Sgt Tan
In "I Summon You," Jeremy Ho and Liz Sgt Tan collaborate on a dance film that mirrors the artist's journey, exploring the profound influence of motherhood. Through movement, the film contemplates the distinctive intersection of personal growth and the deep bonds forged through motherhood.

“Laughter Is Trauma Exiting The Body” by Felix Galistan
Felix Galistan’s “Laughter is Trauma Exiting The Body” contemplates what it means to embody intergenerational trauma through movement. The film promises a poignant exploration of the intersection between personal experiences and the echoes of history through the language of dance.

“wordsANDworlds” by Zachary Yap
In "wordsANDworlds," Zachary Yap presents a film that delves into the disconcerting sensation of inhabiting a world that can be perplexing and emotionally detached. Using movement and dance, Yap extends an invitation to viewers to enter a contemplative space, prompting reflections on the nature of our existence in a swiftly changing world.

The Experimentation Ground
Register for the Experimentation Ground Showcase for free on Eventbrite.

The Experimentation Ground, a key highlight within the *SCAPE Creative Arts Festival, disrupts conventional categorizations by providing a space where art rejects confinement by traditional boundaries. Taking place at The Ground Theatre during the festival's second week, this distinctive platform assures a transformative experience. It boldly blends disciplines, aiming to redefine the very nature of performance. The Experimentation Ground beckons you to welcome the unexpected, question your perceptions, and observe the fusion of digital and physical realms through the perspectives of talented artists.

‘;W[qw-u9 “TAPPING” by Afiszan Amat
Date: 20 January 2024
Opening Hours: 2pm to 3pm, 7:30pm to 8:15pm
Venue: *SCAPE The Ground Theatre

Afiszan Amat's piece ';W[qw-u9 "TAPPING" merges routine digital actions with performance, prompting contemplation on technology's influence on daily lives. Amat, a visionary artist, encourages the audience to reflect on the intersection between the digital realm and the tangible world, challenging established notions of art forms.

Ill Behaviour by Hee Suhui
Date: 20 January 2024
Opening Hours: 3:30pm to 4:30pm, 8:30pm to 9:30pm
Venue: *SCAPE The Ground Theatre

Hee Suhui's "Ill Behaviour" elevates experimentation by intertwining sound art, performance art, and physical storytelling. This captivating piece provides a raw and humorous perspective on personal and collective experiences, pushing the boundaries of what is conventionally anticipated in performance art.

HOMEGROUND – Street Dance Production & Bloc Party

Date: 27 January 2024 
Time: 7:30pm to 11:30pm
Venue: *SCAPE The Ground Theatre 
Register for HOMEGROUND 2024 for free on Eventbrite. 

Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the *SCAPE Creative Arts Festival as it proudly introduces HOMEGROUND, a street dance production and bloc party poised to be the ultimate congregation of local dance talents. Taking place at *SCAPE The Ground Theatre, this exhilarating event not only displays but also celebrates the lively community spirit that characterizes *SCAPE. Join us as we witness the spotlight on local talents taking center stage.

“Paper Trails” by Shean Buligis

Dance artist Shean Buligis takes the stage with “Paper Trails,” an exploration of movement inspired by chaos. Buligis, known for pushing the boundaries of street dance, promises a captivating performance that transcends conventional norms, inviting the audience to witness the beauty that emerges from the midst of chaos.

“Enneagram 2” by Priscilla Chong

Priscilla Chong presents “Enneagram 2,” a dance that delves into self-love and emotional complexity. Chong’s choreography weaves a narrative of introspection and vulnerability, inviting viewers to connect with the intricacies of the human experience through the language of dance.

“Providence” by Aisyah Hanafi

Aisyah Hanafi takes the spotlight with “Providence,” an exploration of the interconnection of individual and collective existence. Through her choreography, Hanafi aims to unravel the threads that bind us together, creating a dance piece that resonates with the community’s shared experiences.

*SCAPE Dance Residency Showcase

Prepare for the unfolding of the *SCAPE Dance Residency Showcase, a mesmerizing fusion of movement and meaning that unveils a collection of contemporary dance works reflecting the depth and diversity of the human experience. In this spotlight, four talented choreographers showcase their unique perspectives, employing dance as a powerful medium to explore complex themes and provoke introspection.

“Manufactured Nature” by Jeremy Loh
Date: 19 to 20 January 2024  
Time: 3:45pm to 4:15pm, 8:15pm to 8:45pm
Venue: *SCAPE Outdoor Area 

In Jeremy Loh's "Manufactured Nature," the audience is invited to ponder humanity's estrangement from the natural world. Through evocative choreography, Loh crafts a narrative that delves into the delicate equilibrium between modern civilization and our inherent connection with nature. This dance guarantees to be a visual poem, encouraging viewers to contemplate their relationship with the environment.

“all-seeing” by Ignatius Sim
Date: 19 to 20 January 2024  
Time: 3pm to 3:30pm, 7:30pm to 8pm
Venue: *SCAPE #02-05/06 

Ignatius Sim introduces "all-seeing," a choreographic exploration that draws parallels between the omnipresence of CCTVs and human behavior. This thought-provoking piece delves into the implications of constant surveillance on our lives, encouraging viewers to question the boundaries between observation and self-expression. Sim's choreography promises to be a dance of introspection, revealing layers of societal scrutiny.

“Look At Me” by Kimberly Sim
Date: 19 to 20 January 2024  
Time: 3pm to 3:30pm, 7:30pm to 8pm
Venue: *SCAPE #02-05/06 

“Look At Me” by Kimberly Sim transcends the boundaries of dance, evolving into a powerful statement about self-expression beyond societal judgment. Sim’s choreography is a dance of liberation, inviting individuals to embrace their authenticity without fear of societal norms. This piece promises to be a celebration of individuality and a call to break free from the constraints of external expectations.

“Hitoiki” by Shanna Yap
Date: 19 to 20 January 2024  
Time: 3:45pm to 4:15pm, 8:15pm to 8:45pm
Venue: *SCAPE Outdoor Area 

Shanna Yap showcases “Hitoiki,” a dance that symbolizes the breath of life through various forms. Yap’s choreography is a poetic exploration of the universal essence of breath, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. “Hitoiki” promises to be a sensory journey, where movement becomes a universal language, speaking to the shared vitality that connects all of humanity.

Festival Village

The Festival Village at *SCAPE Creative Arts Festival is far from ordinary; it stands as a bustling hub of creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural vibrancy.

One of the standout features of the Festival Village is its diverse array of food options, catering to every palate. From classic pasar malam dishes to innovative culinary creations, the Festival Village invites you to enhance your sensory experience. The aroma of delicious treats permeates the air, complementing the visual and auditory delights of the artistic showcases.

Beyond culinary delights, the Festival Village showcases the entrepreneurial spirit of young artisans and crafters. Take a leisurely stroll through the village lanes to discover pop-up stalls featuring unique handmade jewelry, thrift fashion, and zine-making workshops. Engage with the creators; each booth offers a glimpse into the individuality and innovation that define the festival's spirit—a celebration of youth, art, and a sense of community.

The *SCAPE Creative Arts Festival - comma, organized by *SCAPE, seeks to support the development of Singaporean youth by empowering them to realize their potential. Hoping the festival sparks your interest in exploring the exciting capabilities of the featured young creators! To find about more or register for comma, please visit https://www.scape.sg/comma/ 

 

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