Time truly flies but it’s not true when they say all good things come to an end, because 2024 is ready to bring to you a whole new celebration of all things arts and culture (we hope you’re as excited as we are!). New year’s resolutions are certainly all the rage, but Catch is here to bring a special twist to yours with 5 new year’s resolutions for you to embark on your very own arts and culture journey in 2024!
5 New Year’s resolutions to elevate your arts and cultural experience in Singapore in 2024
LISTICLES
25 December 2023
By Team Catch
1. Discover local art exhibitions
You never know what hidden artsy gems you can find in Singapore and this is your sign to see how many local art galleries and independent art spaces you can check off your list in 2024. Gillman Barracks has always been known for its vibrant arts scene with the likes of Yeo Workshop that houses installations themed around technology, post-apocalyptic themes and relationships, and Yavuz Gallery with its collection of contemporary art from the Asia-Pacific region.
You can even venture into hotels in pursuit of discovering a new artistic world, such as Artcommune Gallery that’s tucked away in Carlton Hotel and has a focus on Singapore modern art. Shopping malls also have their own portals into discovering local art; case in point, The Shopping Gallery’s Yang Gallery in Orchard is where you can find whimsical contemporary pieces alongside traditional art.
2. Pick up a traditional art form
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Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned arts and culture follower, 2024 is the year to try something different and embrace Singapore’s cultural heritage by learning a traditional art form. Instead of simply admiring the beauty of Chinese calligraphy and paintings, why not try your hand at mastering it? The Visual Arts Centre offers bilingual workshops to get beginners started.
Think you’ve got moves? Challenge yourselves with a workshop in Malay dance, where you bring together years of culture and heritage into a mesmerising dance brimming with years of history. SRIWANA, one of the oldest Malay performing arts schools in Singapore since 1950, has specially designed Malay dance programmes that’s suited for beginners.
If music is your jam, why not give it a whirl with classical Indian music? Parampara specialises in Hindustani music, a classic style diverging from Carnatic music during AD 13th century influenced by ancient Hindu musical traditions, historical Vedic philosophy and native Indian sounds. Sign up for one of their courses that dives deep into the art of the sitar, tabla, or violin, and immerse yourselves in these rich traditions.
3. Diversify your reading list
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There’re plenty to uncover in the local literary scene with insights into the rich tapestry of Singapore's diverse stories. For the young ones, Spin! by Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffa imparts life lessons and inspires creativity in children through a beautifully-illustrated tale surrounding a classic childhood game of spinning tops.
Romantics will love A View Of Stars: Stories Of Love, an anthology inspired by true stories and well-known classics set in Singapore with tales of an interracial romance, one who pines for his true love in his kampong, the Singaporean version of the Ono no Komachi fable, and more. And if you missed out on the heartwarming stories of Missed Connections: Microfiction From Asia in our Christmas gift guide, this is your sign.
And what’s more, Catch is giving away both A View Of Stars: Stories Of Love and Missed Connections: Microfiction From Asia to a few lucky Catch readers! Simply follow us on Instagram at @catchsingapore and keep your eyes peeled on how you can add these books to your 2024 reading list!
4. Travel the world through the film-verse
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Broaden your cinematic horizons by exploring films from different cultures and regions! A Year of No Significance (大风吹) is a Singapore International Film Festival 2023 must-see that tells the story of a Chinese-educated architect, in 1970s Singapore, stuck at a crossroads when it comes to work and family. Or, Eating Air shows how opposites attract in a whirlwind teenage love. Both are currently showing at The Projector, where you can watch a variety of local films throughout the year.
Another way to expand your cinematic palate is by attending local film festivals like the Singapore International Film Festival, where you can discover the works of talented Singaporean filmmakers and explore stories that celebrate the diversity of cultures. Get your latest updates on when the next festival is happening by following us on Instagram at @catchsingapore!
5. Document your artistic and cultural journey
There’s nothing more precious than memories when it comes to embarking on your new year arts and culture resolutions. Whether you’re constantly updating your ‘gram, creating full-fledged TikToks or even starting an account specially for all things arts and culture, sharing your insights and discoveries can inspire your loved ones. If you’re a more private person, keeping a journal to pen down your personal thoughts is also a worthwhile way to look back on your 2024!
Get prepared for an amazing year of arts and culture festivities in 2024!
It’s never too early to start plotting out which arts and culture milestones to hit next year and with our simple yet effective new year resolutions, you’re in for an incredible 2024 with the many exciting events Catch has in store for you!
Image Credits: Yeo Workshop, Visual Arts Centre, Parampara, Marshall Cavendish, Singapore International Film Festival 2023.
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