02 Apr 4 Neighborhoods Where You Can Experience Singapore’s Art Like The Locals Do
FEATURE: HUFFINGTONPOST
4 Neighborhoods Where You Can Experience Singapore’s Art Like The Locals Do
Presented by Singapore Tourism Board for Huffingtonpost on April 2, 2015.
Read the actual report here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/02/singapore-art-neighborhoods_n_6746254.html
Singapore earned the number one spot on Lonely Planet’s list of the top ten countries to visit in 2015. Alongside this victory, Singapore is also emerging as a force to be reckoned with in the world of art. Identified as one of the “Art Cities of the Future,” Singapore has pursued various public programs to cultivate the arts to become the reigning art hub in Asia. The colonial-era Gillman Barracks were restored and opened in 2012 as an art enclave housing top international galleries, and the brand-new National Gallery Singapore is expected to open this year.
Alongside larger government initiatives, the local art scene in Singapore has been experiencing its own boom, characterized by a more homegrown brand of creativity. Locals looking for an alternative to the hypermodern cityscape are seeking out authentic experiences and finding ways to infuse artistic life into their community. In partnership with Singapore Tourism Board, we have checked out these four neighborhoods where you can experience art like the locals do.
Jalan Besar: Where The Locals Scoop The Next “It” Scene
Some history: Once desolate swampland, Jalan Besar saw the rise of shop houses and factories after World War I. Recently, it has been transforming into a hipster hotspot, set to challenge Tiong Bahru for the reigning title.
The scene: As the up-and-coming hipster ‘hood, Jalan Besar is also serious about its coffee. Among the original venues to push the area’s trendy transformation, Chye Seng Huat Hardware is a concept cafe housed in a converted hardware store; its open island bar is perfect for observing baristas taking the art of coffee to new heights.
Speaking of bars, the 1925 explores the art of brewing. The brand-new microbrewery and restaurant is bringing its house-brewed craft beers to the hipster scene in Singapore.
After soaking up the liquid art scene, experience a more literal interpretation and stop by the At Ease Gallery for affordable, eclectic pieces from local, up-and-coming artists. As Singapore’s first local artist colony, the Artists Village is another way to experience authentic, local artwork.