New Bahru and other creative concepts: Are they the best representation of the arts and culture scene in Singapore?

In the vibrant landscape of Singapore’s arts and culture, creative clusters or enclaves like New Bahru, or mass events like the Singapore Night Festival and the Singapore Art Week, undoubtedly capture our attention. Whether it’s the social media buzz or our innate and habitual Singaporean “kaypoh” curiosity, these significant occasions prompt us to mark our calendars to explore and discover the local arts and culture scene. But what do we do after the excitement wanes?

Do we simply wait for the next New Bahru or find another exciting arts fair? Often, our arts and culture journey revolves around such marquee events, occurring annually like clockwork – and often it is not enough. Perhaps this is a signal that it’s time to broaden our horizons and venture beyond the well-trodden path.

THE EVOLUTION OF ART

In an article by researcher and author Gillian M. Morriss-Kay about the evolution of human artistic creativity, Morriss-Kay explains that while art was never an essential part of survival, artistic creativity likely developed due to humans’ ability to imagine and visualise what isn’t directly in front of us.

Think of it as envisioning prey hidden behind cliffs or rocks – a mental leap that eventually led to cave paintings and etchings on ancient stones.

The arts have always been an outward expression of our experiences—our joys, sorrows, and everything in between. It translates our world for others, capturing pivotal moments and reflecting cultural beliefs. However, with the commercialisation and capitalisation of art over time, the attitude towards the arts have consequently changed over time.

THE INFLUENCE OF TASTE AND TRENDS

Personal preferences, trends, and mainstream tastes typically shape how we consume and get drawn to the arts. What’s deemed “good” or “bad” often hinges on popular styles. Popularised styles and the mainstream taste take the main stage which polarises what is enjoyable or worth paying attention to.

And if we’re not careful, the mainstream will dilute the available pool, leaving artists to either cater to the preferences of the public or continuously feel overlooked for being too niche for consumer palates. Unfortunately, this overshadows niche artists whose work may not align with prevailing norms.

COMMERCIALISATION: A STEPPING STONE FOR SMALLER ARTISTS AND CREATORS

While commercialisation isn’t inherently negative, it serves as a platform for lesser-known creators. Take “Woods in the Books”, an independent bookstore with brick-and-mortar stores across Singapore. Their New Bahru outlet shines a spotlight on their literary arts community presence and even some local writers, drawing in the uninitiated and fresh arts appreciators all eager to explore.

For myself, it was at the Illustration Arts Fest (IAF) that I discovered ‘tropikaldaze’ – Nat –, a talented tattoo artist. Her unique style was captivating, which was a prompt to follow her on Instagram. When we crossed paths in July 2024 at IAF, I purchased a compact mirror and brass pin – a tangible way to support her artistry.

Yet, relying solely on such platforms isn’t always sustainable for emerging like Nat. Booth rentals, merchandise logistics, and paid social media ads all incur similar brick-and-mortar costs. As we celebrate creativity, let’s remember that behind every masterpiece lies dedication, effort, and the desire to connect with appreciative souls.

So, perhaps beyond the marquee events, we should always continuously aim to seek out hidden gems, amplify diverse voices, and keep our arts scene thriving.

REFRAME THE WAY WE EXPLORE ART

Social media and mass consumption have dramatically altered how we receive and process new information. We’re so conditioned to being fed our existing preferences, but taste and appreciation comes from actively seeking and cultivating new experiences. A mere two years ago, minimalism was all the rage, influencing everything from posters and merchandise to graphic and interior design. All we were exposed to was this one style, and naturally we would be turned off by more grandiose aesthetics.

We, as consumers, must actively seek beyond the norm. We need to learn to be comfortable with the unfamiliar. And we can do that by visiting smaller scale events and places. Take for example, the Singapore Youth Film Festival hosted by *SCAPE Singapore.

While it’s popular amongst local filmmakers and enthusiasts, many people might not be aware of the exceptional local films it showcases. Many of these filmmakers go on to make works that feature in international film festivals or win prestigious awards.

It can be challenging to seek out such activities and events, but that’s where Catch’s events page comes in. It serves as a curation of the coolest and most niche events in Singapore, so that you don’t have to extensively research what the next activity will be – even if it is a concert with an orchestra full of rain drums.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

It might go unnoticed, but the audience plays the biggest role in advancing an initiative or an industry. The arts are created for appreciation and if the people do not appreciate it, the art form dies. This is why we need to take proactive steps in discovering and supporting new artists and creators, be it through Catch’s curated suggestions or your own research.

Our local arts and culture scene is frequently and unfairly compared to the international stage but many of us fail to remember that it is a work in progress. Our artists are continually experimenting, developing and evolving. When we as an audience endorse, support and shine a light on their work, it encourages them to innovate with newer art forms and engage with the community.

To prevent stagnation in our arts and culture scene, it needs us - the audience’s active participation. And maybe the first step can start with attending the Singapore Night Festival, and then continue with exploring performances or exhibits by art groups that participated in the festival. It’s time we reframe the way we explore arts and culture, and support our local talents.

Discover the best of everything our Singapore arts scene has to offer, all available on Catch.

Image credits: Lo and Behold Group, Singapore Night Festival, Wikimedia Commons, Tropikaldaze, DSTNCT and *SCAPE.