Stamford Arts Centre Expands Multicultural Arts Celebration with “A Date with Tradition” Event

Stamford Arts Centre (SAC), in partnership with Arts House Limited (AHL), is set to amplify its celebration of Singapore’s rich multicultural arts heritage with “A Date with Tradition.” This expanded event coincides with the Singapore Night Festival (SNF) and will unfold over three weekends from August 23 to September 7, 2024. Attendees can expect a vibrant array of traditional arts performances, activities, and installations.

Immerse in Multicultural Performances and Art Installations

AHL, as the place manager of SAC, collaborates with SAC’s resident artists to create engaging and accessible traditional arts programs. This year’s highlights include four local festival showcases:

• Open Score Project in Palindrome: An original musical composition reflecting Singapore’s diverse cultural identity.
• Bhaskar’s Arts Academy: A captivating Kathakali dance production, Cherita Singapura.
• P7:1SMA’s Joget Putu Piring: An innovative open studio performance inspired by the Malay delicacy, putu piring.
• Fledgelings Take Flight by Traditional Art Centre’s Young People’s Opera Theatre: Showcasing various genres of traditional Chinese Opera.

As night falls, SAC will be illuminated by two mesmerizing art installations:

• The Happiest Days of Our Lives by Rizman Putra: A blacklight mural evoking nostalgia through vintage illustrations, reflecting the rich history of SAC.
• Through the Rose Window by Divaagar: A miniature house sculpture inspired by a children’s singing game, recalling the history of the nearby Objectifs building.

Engage with Traditional Arts through Interactive Workshops

A Date with Tradition 2024 will feature workshops led by SAC’s artist-tenants and project studio hirers, providing hands-on experiences in traditional art forms:

• Shantha Ratii Initiatives (SRI)’s De-coding Indian Dance: Explore Indian classical dance through expressive storytelling movements.
• Singapore Association of Minhwa Art (SAMA)’s Minhwa Art Workshop: Dive into traditional Korean polychromatic painting, suitable for both children and adults.

Explore Nostalgic Activities and Traditional Games

Participants can engage in various activities and games celebrating traditional arts and culture:

• A Tapestry of Traditions – Community Mural: Urban artist ANTZ invites attendees to contribute to a mural reflecting SAC’s multicultural heritage.
• Chinese Opera Rhythmic Exercises: A workout incorporating traditional Chinese opera movements by the Traditional Arts Centre.
• Drop-in Activities and Old-School Games: Enjoy traditional crafts and games like hand beading, upcycled weaving, and nostalgic games such as five stones and pick-up sticks.

“A Date with Tradition” promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage, inviting the community to immerse themselves in the beauty and richness of traditional arts.