How to Appreciate the Arts Scene in Singapore under $50
Here are some places you should visit during the semester vacation to better understand the local arts scene in Singapore
By Ria Riana
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Are you unsure of what to do during the 6-week vacation? While most of you would want to go abroad, travelling out of Singapore is out of reach. Do not even get me started on getting permission from parents to travel abroad.
Being tertiary students with a budget, you are only limited to this little red dot. But do not fret! There are many places in Singapore you can visit, alone or with your family and friends, to appreciate the local arts scene.
Miss Nadrah, an 18-year-old Arts Business Management student believes youths should gain a deeper understanding about the local art scene.
“The arts and culture scene bring communities together and creates a special memory from the arts. Therefore, it should be appreciated,” she said.
According to a survey conducted by Rendezvous, about 70 percent of youths prefer to ‘chill’ and hangout with their friends while the remaining 30 percent prefer to visit attractions and learn new information. If you are one of the two types of people, the following places are for you.
WONDERLAND
The exhibition showcases the portrayal of Alice throughout the centuries
Details of the exhibition are as follows:
Ticket Cost: $12 - $19
Travel Cost: $1 - $2 (by train)
Location: Marina Bay Sands Art Science Museum (nearest MRT station is Bayfront MRT station on the Downtown Line and Circle Line)
Time: 1000h, 1130h, 1300h, 1430h, 1600h and 1730h
If you like experiencing intriguing exhibitions, join in the adventures of Alice in Wonderland throughout the centuries since her first appearance in 1865.
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Developed by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the exhibition showcases the portrayal of Lewis Caroll’s most famous character, Alice, and her adventures from 19th century books to the 2016 billion-dollar movie directed by award-winning director, Tim Burton.
Fall into the adventures of Alice as you enter the tiny door into the Hallway of Doors
Right from the start, you will embody Alice. You get to enter the tiny door that leads the rest of your adventures, a reference to the storyline. You will get the opportunity to explore these specific adventures: The Pool of Tears, Looking Glass House, The Rabbit Send in a Little Bill, Advice from a Caterpillar, The Queen’s Croquet Ground, A Mad Tea Party, Who Stole the Tarts and lastly, Alice’s Evidence.
Each section of the Wonderland displays the evolution of certain iconic scenes from books and movies and offers interactive exhibitions for visitors to learn more about the timeless tale.
Miss Aisyah Ahmad, a Wonderland visitor and theatre student from Republic Polytechnic, said that, “It (Wonderland) is a great place for people to learn more about what went into the making of Alice. As a theatre student, I now have a deeper appreciation for the production of Alice in Wonderland.”
A tip on how to save money: Purchase a ticket at a low price of $12 when you bring your student ID or student concession card.
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BUGIS PRECINCT
Bugis is well-known for its street art
Details of the location are as follows:
Travel Cost: $1 - $2 (By train)
Location: Bugis (Nearest MRT station is Bugis MRT Station on the Downtown Line and East-West Line)
Time: Accessible any time of the day (However, most shops only open at noon.)
Looking for cool and Instagram-worthy spots to chill and hang-out with your friends? Then look no further! Bugis is the perfect place for that.
With an abundance of cafés and niche little shops, Bugis has become the hang-out spot for youths today. Buildings decorated with unique street art such as graffiti and cultural paintings are scattered across the area.
So, if you are looking for interesting and unique backgrounds for your Instagram pictures, Bugis is the place for you.
One of the many street arts in Bugis
After a long and hot day of taking pictures, visit one of the many cafés and restaurants along the alleys of Haji Lane and Bussorah Street to quench your thirst and fill your stomach. These include Mad Sailors, Limaa and Moosh Softserve.
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A tip on how to save money: Visit these cafés and restaurants during the lunch period to enjoy student prices and lunch period promotions.
There are many other places in Singapore that you can visit to appreciate the local arts scene. Keep a lookout for Bicentennial Singapore events happening throughout the year and the Singapore Night Festival 2019 happening from 23 August to 31 August.