❃ event introduction ❃

1.1 Placing Home: Woodlands

Arts in Your Neighborhood (AYN) is an arts experiences that are available for everyone at their doorsteps. It is an initiative by the National Arts Council (NAC). These arts experiences are by established artists and art groups and are held at various spaces across the islands. AYN is held twice a year in March and in November. This time, Woodlands is selected as the anchor neighborhood for the staging of this event. 

Objectives

AYN's objective is simple. This event aims to provide enriching arts experiences for everyone right at their doorstep. It consists of various interactive arts programmes that are available to everyone in Singapore. It is to also encourage all Singaporeans to embrace arts and culture as an integral part of their lives by providing free access to arts programmes in a fun and interactive way.

Target Market

Everyone in Singapore is welcomed for this event. There will be an array of opportunities for Singaporeans from all walks and all seasons of life to appreciate and participate in arts and culture. Engaging arts experiences right at their doorstep will also add color to their daily routines and is more accessible for them without travelling far. These art programmes are not only limited to their places of work, living, learning, and leisure but also as they transit between these spaces. Thus, this way, Singaporeans will have easy access to a wide variety of arts and culture activities that cater to their varying interests. 

Why Woodlands?

1.2 Landmarks in Woodlands

One might ask "Why Woodlands?". Why not somewhere else? Such as Bedok or Jurong that is a more vibrant and predominant neighborhood compared to Woodlands. AYN is a month-long series of engaging and fun art activities that is being held at various locations around the island. This includes the heartlands of Jurong, Ang Mo Kio, Tampines, Chong Pang, Woodlands, Yew Tee, Toa Payoh, and Bedok. Therefore, after AYN has done exploring the neighborhoods in Singapore, Woodlands is chosen.

Woodlands is a pivotal town connecting Singapore to Johor Bahru. The first thing that comes to Singaporeans' mind when asked about Woodlands, is "ulu", which is Singlish for "remote neighborhood". Therefore, Woodlands is even a better choice for AYN's next stop in order to educate and create awareness about the people here and even the story behind Woodlands. By choosing Woodlands, AYN is exploring ideas of home and movement within this neighborhood and Singaporeans are able to look at the neighborhood with a fresh pair of lenses.

Event Programmes

There are many event programmes during the presented throughout the 18 days AYN is being conducted. The programmes consist of various different art forms such as Performing Arts and Sculptures. 

Performing Arts

Performance Arts is a time-based art form that typically features a live presentation to an audience or to onlookers on the streets. It is generally an event rather than an artifact.

1.3 Jannah at the Rubbish Prince performance

• The Rubbish Prince by 3Pumpkins, Danny Yeo, and Ong Kian Sin

This programme is about a Rubbish Prince, a tall puppet made up of clean recyclables. He is on a quest to rescue his fellow puppet friend from the effects of non-recyclable waste. This outdoor performance teaches the audience the importance of recycling.

1.4 The 3 Characters on the move

• Musical Notes by Compagnie des Quidams

This programme mainly focuses on Music. Three characters will approach and whisper musical secrets to members of the audience. From their unique musical instruments, they broadcast different melodies and begin to dance. Hence, teaching the audience about the different types of music forms. 

• 酸甜苦辣 — The Four Flavours of Life by The TENG Ensemble with Lee Wushu Arts Theatre

This consists of four exciting musical works inspired by a Chinese saying that describes and draws references from themes of parting and long, happiness and sadness. This musical performance combines the martial arts performance by Lee Wushu Arts Theatre and the signature trademark of The TENG Ensemble's performance. Thus, creating the confluence of Eastern and Western traditions with modern interpretations and style.

1.5 Jumbo Fabrica

• Jumbo Fabrica by Sweet Tooth

Jumbo Fabrica is a 50 minute walking trails where participants are armed with audio guides. Performances, inspired by the residents' stories, are being conducted during this trail while the participants are listening to the audio guides that explain the performance. Therefore, this trail teaches the participants about Woodland's history.

Sculptures

A sculpture is a three-dimensional work of art that is usually created by molding or shaping materials such as wood, glass or bronze. 

• Fun with Bamboo by Eko Prawoto

This workshop is led by artist Eko Prawoto. She uses mainly bamboo for her sculptures and thus exploring the sculptural possibilities of bamboo through this art-making workshop at the park.

• Mini Wood Assemblage by Chiew Sien Kuan 

The participants are taught how to make wood assemblage in this workshop. On the other hand, this workshop focuses on wood. After building, they are able to take their own small sculpture home.