Do you know where the Singapore Civic District is located at?

If you don’t, here’s a hint: It is where Singapore’s historical, architectural and cultural heritage started and is also known as the arts and cultural hub of Singapore.

If you’re still unsure, that’s all right.

Because over the first two Fridays and Saturdays of August, the first-ever Civic District Outdoor Festival will take place in some of the most historically significant heritage buildings.

Civic District Outdoor Festival

National Gallery Singapore along with four arts and culture institutions in the Civic District are coming together to showcase an extensive suite of engaging exhibitions and programmes. The four institutions are: The Arts House, Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall and Asian Civilisations Museum. This also marks the first time a festival is held to celebrate the Singapore Civic District.

With the theme ‘When Time Stood Still’, a highlight of the Festival is a Projection Trail, with multimedia projections being mapped onto the above-mentioned buildings.

With over 40 outdoor and indoor programmes happening, here’s a snapshot of what you can enjoy with your family.

1. Hemera’s Dream: Outdoor Projection Trail

What happens when time stands still? In Hemera’s Dream, multimedia projections are mapped onto four beautiful heritage buildings, making this the largest outdoor multimedia circuit in Singapore. Featuring a whimsical and visually-stunning adventure, Hemera and her brother, Aether, are tasked to keep the Cosmic Clock running so that The Eternal City stays awake. One day, they overeat and fall asleep, and the Cosmic Clock stops. Chaos ensues in the city. Will Hemera be able to resume the clock and save the day?

When: 4-5, 11-12 Aug 2017 | Various timings from 8pm – 11pm

Where: Entire facade of the National Gallery Singapore, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall & Asian Civilisations Museum.

2. Be In The Company Of Giant Illuminated Bunnies

Giant rabbits invade the Padang! You can’t miss Australian artist Amanda Parer’s Intrude, consisting of large illuminated inflated rabbits. Grab some food at the Hemera’s Feast food street along St. Andrews Road, pick your favourite picnic spot and soak in the magnificent views of the façade show and surrounding cityscape!

Grab some food at the Food Street along St. Andrews Road, pick your favourite picnic spot and soak in the magnificent views of the façade show and surrounding cityscape.

When: 4-5, 11-12 Aug 2017
Where: Padang

3. Hemera’s Feast Food Street

You won’t go hungry at the festival with glorious food and treats from local food vendors such as Coco Loco, Courtyard Café, Kerbside Gourmet, Ninja Cut, and more. Make sure there’s space in your tummy and bring along your picnic baskets and mats too. Once you’ve got your plates and baskets full, don’t forget to hop over to the Padang to picnic and hang out with the bunnies.

When: 4-5, 11-12 Aug 2017
Where: Along St. Andrew’s Road

4. Spot 800 Tiny Turtles

Tiny Turtles is an artwork collaboration between Torres Strait schools and local, international and special needs students in Singapore. Supported by the Australian High Commission, the exhibitions are part of the Asian Civilisations Museum’s (ACM) Children’s Season 2017. While you’re there, check out ‘Ghost Nets of the Ocean‘, a marine-themed exhibition inside the ACM.

When: 1 Jun – 6 Aug 2017 | 10am – 7pm (daily), 10am – 9pm (Fridays)
Where: Asian Civilisations Museum

5. Get Stuck In Time

Can one get stuck in time? Explore the notion of time-stopping with Adeline Loo’s artwork, ‘The Time Vortex’ in line with the festival’s theme ‘When Time Stood Still’. Heavily influenced by science fiction and time travel, Loo’s multi-stringed and trans-dimensional installation encourages viewers to explore the notion of time stopping.

When: 4-5, 11-12 Aug 2017
Where: The Arts House

6. A Dragon Behind The Door & More!

Imagine waking up one day to find your house overrun with spotted beetles! That’s what happened to Mini and her father. Get swept away in a fun-filled adventure where imagination takes flight with puppets, larger-than-life characters, music and surprises! Bond with your kids over crafts – learn how to make your own puppets and a mini pop-up theatre.

When: Fri 4 Aug, 6.30pm – 7.30pm | Fri 11 Aug, 6.30pm – 7.30pm | Sat 5 Aug, 6pm – 7pm| Sat 12 Aug, 6 – 7pm
Where: Empress Lawn

7. Play That Funky Music

Rock out and sing along to Singapore’s hottest bands and songbirds. Catch favourite acts such as Inch Chua, Jack & Rai, Joie Tan, MICappella, ShiLi & Adi, (53A) – Alvin, Naz and Sara, and more.

When: 4-5, 11-12 Aug 2017 | 6pm till midnight
Where: Padang Atrium, National Gallery Singapore

8. Discover Local Gems and Craft Ware

Bring home one-of-a-kind handmade craft ware from local creative makers, artists and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re into jewellery, bags, candles or prints, there’s something nifty to unearth at Aether’s Art Market. Also, keep your eyes peeled for limited edition Civic District Outdoor Festival merchandise.

When: 4-5, 11-12 Aug 2017 | 6pm till 11pm
Where: Empress Lawn

9. Midnight at the Museum

During the festival, National Gallery Singapore and the Asian Civilisations Museum will be extending their operating hours till midnight. Make sure you visit them before the clock strikes 12! Check out these exhibits: Gallery Children’s Biennale: Dreams and Stories (National Gallery Singapore) and ‘Ghost Nets of the Ocean’ (ACM). General admission rules apply.

Time waits for no one. Mark these dates and times in your calendar today!

Date: 4–5, 11–12 Aug 2017 | Time: 5pm till midnight
Venue: Various locations around the Civic District – National Gallery Singapore and Asian Civilisations Museum

Admission is free. Selected programmes and workshops are chargeable.

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