(Singapore, 26 October 2020) Many of us are familiar with Geylang Serai for its rich cultural identity and vibrant sights and sounds, but did you know that its name is said to have derived from a lemongrass factory (Kilang Serai) located east of the Kallang River? Discover more interesting history and stories of Kallang and Geylang at the upcoming season of Arts in Your Neighbourhood (AYN) organised by the National Arts Council as AYN returns from 12 to 29 November. 

For the very first time, AYN’s line-up will be supplemented with digital offerings, presenting a blend of 11 digital and physical programmes co-created with artists, arts organisations and community partners. This will allow audiences to appreciate and participate in arts activities, right at their doorstep and fingertips. From online music, dance and theatre performances to visual art murals and a dynamic light projection display on the façade of Old Airport Road Hawker Centre, enjoy an engaging line-up of multi-genre and interactive arts experiences from the comfort of your homes or up close in person. With programmes inspired by the towns and its people, the arts showcase the resilience of our communities and  foster a sense of belonging by encouraging residents and Singaporeans alike, to rediscover the stories of their neighbourhoods through the arts, from wherever they are.

Some of the key highlights in the AYN November 2020 programme include: 

 
District 14: 7 Kali Bah by P7:1SMA: See Geylang Serai through the eyes of its community, in this collection of contemporary dance films that traces the dreamscapes of hijrah (“migration” in Malay) and ubah (“shifts” in Malay). The films are inspired by the stories, anecdotes and memories of Geylang Serai, with choreography stimulated by letters, audio recordings, photographs, textiles and objects of significance collected from the community.

Brilliant Corners: The City Is Blooming by System Sovereign:  Embark on a self-guided trail to discover vibrant art murals around the neighbourhood, inspired by little glimpses of nature right in the heart of the town and how its people relate to it. The works are co-painted by five artists Ink & Clog, Didier Jaba Mathieu, Oak & Bindi and Kiat with keen mural arts enthusiasts from the community.

Patterns Seeking by SYNDICATE: Be enthralled by a light projection and sound display at Old Airport Road Hawker Centre. The works featured are co-created with residents of Kallang and inspired by the patterns and motifs of daily Singaporean life. Members of the public can be part of an on-going conversation about the patterns of Singapore by sending in their suggestions here.

From A to Z: The Adventures of Sol and Friends by Sweet Tooth: Join Sol and her friends on an adventure to find Maxie, her best friend who gets blown away in a giant storm. Combining design and performance, this theatrical experience for young audiences, brings to life three new characters designed by the community.  

In addition, parents and children can look forward to Let’s Partea! a series of virtual performances specially curated for young audiences, and hosted live by dynamic theatre actor Dwayne Lau every Sunday of AYN. Little ones can discover the power of imagination in an interactive theatre performance by Bitesize Theatre Productions, and venture into the world of jazz music through a music performance by Hummingbird Music. Families can also embark on an adventure right at their fingertips and take a virtual “walk” around Kallang River, in an interactive choose-your-own-adventure story by digital storytelling studio Tusitala and author Akshita Nanda. 

Admission is free for all events, and audiences will be required to follow the existing safe distancing measures when attending outdoor programmes and practise personal social responsibility. More details can be found in the programme booklet attached or online at https://artsforall.gov.sg/AYN.