[PAssionArts 2025] All Aboard: Bukit Timah Community Train Brings Railway Memories Back to Life

Hi Huneybees,

A closer look at the "Neighbourhood Gems" of the Bukit Timah Railway Corridor. The installation features train cabins painted during inclusive pre-festival workshops with seniors, students, and MINDS clients.
(Photo Credits: People’s Association – PAssionArts)

The Bukit Timah Railway Corridor came alive once again at this year’s Bukit Timah PAssionArts Festival, where an 8-metre-long community-built train art installation stole the spotlight. What made it extra special? Residents themselves added the finishing touches right at the Festival Village, turning the piece into a true “living artwork” that celebrated both heritage and community spirit.

This colourful installation is a heartfelt tribute to the area’s rich railway history, most notably the Bukit Timah Truss Bridge - a conserved landmark that has stretched across Bukit Timah and Dunearn roads since 1932.

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Adding to the story. A young resident places her hand-painted creation onto the 8m-long installation, one of the highlights of the festival where the artwork evolved with the community's touch throughout the day.
(Photo Credits: People’s Association – PAssionArts)

A Journey of Co-Creation 

The train wasn’t just built overnight. It was the result of a multi-stage, co-creation process led by artist Didier Ng and her team. Before the festival, workshops brought together seniors from St Luke’s Elder Care and students from Clementi Primary School, who created the individual art pieces that would later form the installation.

At the festival itself, residents joined in by painting train tracks and penning down heart-shaped “love letters to SG” on recycled boards, adding them directly onto the artwork. The result? A vibrant piece that grew with every participant’s story and touch.

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A moment of playful discovery at the Bukit Timah PAssionArts Festival. A young resident interacts with the colourful train track, one of many segments designed and painted by the community at the on-site art booths before being added to the final installation.
(Photo Credits: People’s Association – PAssionArts)

Celebrating Neighbourhood Gems 

This year’s PAssionArts Festival theme, “Our Neighbourhood Gems,” is all about uncovering the places and stories that shape our everyday lives. The old railway line, which first began operations in 1903, has since transformed into today’s beloved Rail Corridor, and the installation perfectly captures that evolution—linking past memories with present-day sustainability.

Residents reminisced about train rides to Johor and encounters with local wildlife, while the installation itself incorporated upcycled materials such as offcut wood, plastic boxes, and even “hearts” made from plastic bags. It was as much about conservation as it was about nostalgia.

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The community's train journey is complete. The 8m-long Bukit Timah Railway Corridor installation stands as a testament to the spirit of co-creation at the PAssionArts Festival.
(Photo Credits: People’s Association – PAssionArts)

“Where Got Space?” – A North West Giant Delight 

Another highlight to see again was “Where Got Space?”, a Giant Delight installation created in celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday. I first came across it last Sunday at the PAssionArts Festival tentage during the North West National Day Heartlands Celebrations on 10 August, and it made its return here at Bukit Timah too.

This playful piece reimagines everyday neighbourhood icons like Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre, Bukit Timah Hill, and Pang Sua Pond, through the lens of daily life and sustainability. Led by eco-artist Didier Ng, residents joined in to craft whimsical details using recycled materials: from felt vegetables and plywood letterboxes to speech bubbles cut out of styrofoam boards, each one reflecting stories and voices from the community.

What I loved most was how interactive it was. Visitors could listen to personal stories at the audio corner, enjoy the refreshing scent of fruit from a sensor-activated diffuser, or snap fun photos with quirky features like the summit rock-inspired bean bag and the swing motif.

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Creativity in action at a PAssionArts booth. Residents painted train tracks, contributing their finishing touches to the ever-growing artwork on the spot.
(Photo Credits: People’s Association – PAssionArts)

What’s Next? 

The good news is these installations aren’t going away just yet. You can continue to catch them at Firefly Park @ Clementi in the coming months (unless there are changes to the schedule). Plus, there’s even more to come as all the 13 Giant Delight installations will be popping up across various heartland locations starting late September 2025.

So whether you’re chasing nostalgia, curious about community art, or just looking for a fun and meaningful day out, these installations are well worth checking out. After all, they’re not just art, they’re our neighbourhood stories, told together.

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Light to Night Festival 2024: A Dazzling Celebration of Art and Imagination

Hi Huneybees,

From 19 January to 8 February 2024, the annual Light to Night Festival returns, transforming Singapore’s Civic District into a vibrant showcase of creativity. With over 60 captivating artworks and programs, the festival spans iconic locations, including the National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, The Arts House, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, and Funan.

This year’s theme, "Reimagine," invites visitors to explore art and space in fresh, innovative ways. It also challenges artists to push the boundaries of their craft, resulting in bold and imaginative creations that promise to inspire.

Admission to the festival is free, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy. During the event, the National Gallery Singapore will extend its opening hours until 11 PM on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and offer complimentary entry to all its exhibitions—a perfect opportunity to experience the magic of art after hours.

Wings of Change

by Kumari Nahappan 

Venue: Padang

At the Padang, you’ll spot a striking installation featuring red ‘saga seeds’ scattered across a section of the field. This is Kumari Nahappan's Wings of Change, an artwork that draws attention to the declining saga tree population and the urgent need for preservation amidst climate change.

Beside the seeds, a towering energy pod reinforces the message of climate action, reminding us of our shared responsibility as caretakers of the Earth. Visitors are encouraged to walk clockwise around the seeds, symbolizing mindfulness, living in the moment, and fostering positive change.

Nahappan's creation is more than art—it’s a heartfelt call for environmental conservation and sustainability, inspiring all who see it to take action for our planet.

8-bit Word Cloud
by Justin Loke
Venue: The Arts House Front Lawn

Join the adventure of a scavenger hunt to uncover the missing letters needed to complete Justin Loke’s 8-bit cloud poem. Inspired by Karl Popper's philosophical essay On Clocks and Clouds, Loke’s artwork explores the relationship between digital technology, language, and meaning.

Amidst the pixelated blocks of this striking installation, a partially revealed poem awaits completion. The missing letters are hidden across six art benches scattered throughout the Civic District, inviting participants to engage with art in an interactive and thought-provoking way. Will you piece together the poetic puzzle?

Party Pavilion

by Howie Kim

Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum Lawn

Swing by the Asian Civilisations Museum and step into the whimsical world of Howie Kim’s Party Pavilion! This vibrant installation is hard to miss, with its dazzling lights and bold colors inviting you to relive your carefree, youthful days. Step inside, soak up the joyful atmosphere, and don’t forget to show off your best disco dance moves!

Teo Eng Seng: Living the Life 

by Teo Eng Seng, and Milosh Luczynski

Venue: National Gallery Singapore, Façade

No Light to Night Festival would be complete without the mesmerizing projection mappings on the façade of the National Gallery Singapore. This year, step into the colorful world of pioneering artist Teo Eng Seng with Living the Life, a vibrant projection that brings his joyful compositions to life. Featuring vivid colors and dynamic artistry, Teo's work celebrates openness, curiosity, and the spontaneity of everyday moments. It’s an invitation to see life through a fresh and playful lens - an experience that inspires and uplifts you.

Temple of Love

by Arahmaiani, Wayang Merdeka, and Milosh Lucyznski

Venue: National Gallery Singapore, Façade

Sharing the spotlight with Teo Eng Seng’s Living the Life on the National Gallery Singapore’s façade is Temple of Love. This powerful animation weaves a tale of resilience and renewal. Witness the gripping story of a nocturnal monster wreaking havoc, devouring the world, and leaving destruction in its wake. As buildings collapse and nature suffers, the community faces upheaval - until Mother Nature rises with her nurturing hands and boundless love. Her healing energy restores balance to the Earth, reminding us of the enduring power of love and the importance of protecting our planet.

Embroidered Landscapes

by SISTRUM

Venue: Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall

Set to the backdrop of evocative electronic opera soundtracks, Embroidered Landscapes breathes new life into the fading art of jie xi, a unique form of Chinese opera. This stunning projection transforms the façade of Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall into a dynamic canvas, adorned with intricate motifs and symbols from jie xi costumes. Blending vernacular traditions with contemporary artistry, the display offers a poignant reflection on preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern creativity.

Rapture

by Victor Tan

Venue: Atrium of National Gallery Singapore 

As you enter the National Gallery Singapore through the Padang Atrium entrance, look up to find Rapture, a stunning light installation by Victor Tan. Featuring eight life-sized human wire sculptures suspended mid-air, the piece draws inspiration from the biblical concept of "rapture," where believers ascend from Earth during the second coming of Christ.

What makes this installation truly special is how it transforms depending on your perspective. Admire it from the Padang Atrium for a grounded view, or head to the elevated link bridges connecting the former City Hall and Supreme Court for a whole new vantage point.

Winter Sonata, Summer Mookata 

by Knuckles & Notch

Venue: The Arts House

Dive into a mesmerizing world with Winter Sonata, Summer Mookata, a visually stunning exploration of human complexities and spiritual awareness. Created by the talented risograph print studio Knuckles and Notch, this work blends psychedelic scenes with influences from pop culture, comics, movies, anime, sci-fi, and philosophy. Featuring a mix of digital and hand-drawn animations, it crafts a captivating universe that blurs the boundaries between the tangible and the intangible. Bonus: cat lovers will be delighted by the charming feline animations woven into the narrative!

Ping Pong Go-Round

by Lee Wen

Venue: National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing, Level 2, Outside DBS, Gallery 2

Ping Pong Go-Round first made waves in Melbourne as part of an exhibition series curated by artist Ryszard Wasko. What sets this unique ping pong table apart is its circular design, mimicking the layout of an international conference. Breaking away from the usual linear gameplay, it allows multiple players to engage simultaneously, fostering dynamic exchanges in all directions. This innovative setup continuously shifts power dynamics, offering a playful and thought-provoking experience that redefines traditional player interactions.

Passage

by SOTA

Venue: Asia Civilisations Museum

It’s perfectly fitting to have this installation at the East Wing Extension of the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Discover a captivating story about Singapore’s history as a port city through vibrant animations, where ceramic bowls adorned with swirling motifs and graphics come to life, offering a dynamic and immersive experience.

Wayang Spaceship

by Ming Wong

Venue: Empress Lawen

If Wayang Spaceship looks familiar, it's because it first made its debut outside the Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark in July 2022. For Light to Night, has now been relocated to the Empress Lawn, where it truly comes alive after dark.

Get ready to be amazed as you witness stunning visuals of a scholar-warrior journeying through Singapore's history, complemented by aural compositions from literary artists Ng Yi-Sheng, nor, and Diana Rahim, with an incredible sound design by Wu Jun Han. Once the visual and symphonic experience concludes, the stage transforms into a perfect backdrop for your aesthetic portraits. Use the LED lights to add flair to your shots by posing against the stage.

Additionally, there will be live drawing sessions from 2 pm to 6 pm on 20th-21st January and 3rd-4th February, where you can receive a free customized illustration.

Symphony of Order

by Sarah Choo Jing, Mattias Choo

Venue: Rotunda Library

This year, projected on the ceiling is Symphony of Order. This piece delves into the relationship between "order" and the "unspoken laws" that govern social settings, all set against the backdrop of a dining scene. After all, there's no better way to resonate with us than through food, gather around and hear what everyone has to voice out...

Wishful Thinking 

by Whisperlodge

Venue: National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing, Level B1, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium Foyer

Step into a multi-room installation and leave the stress of your day behind. Explore unexpected textures and sounds as you immerse yourself in a journey within your own body, enhancing your self-awareness and sensory perception.

The sounds throughout this immersive experience are inspired by Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR). On select nights during the festival, you can indulge in calming ASMR interactions or enjoy a 60-minute live performance led by trained ASMR guides in this serene space.

The Gachapartment Complex

by Nikkei

Venue: Funan Underground Pedestrian Link

For the first time, the event has extended to Funan. Come step into a hidden world where toys lead their intricate gachapon lives. Scan the QR code on the walls to activate the AR filter on Instagram and fully immerse yourself in this whimsical underground city, bringing the playful scene to life through your phone.

As the main event kicking off Singapore Art Week, Light to Night 2024 is a must-visit for anyone aiming to add “be more cultured” to their New Year’s resolutions. The National Gallery Singapore is extending its opening hours until 11 pm on festival weekends, making it the perfect opportunity to spend a night at the museum. Plus, enjoy free entry to all exhibitions, including Tropical: Stories from Stories Asia and Latin America, which features an artwork by the renowned Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.

The festival also offers captivating live performances and a range of activities. The Singapore National Youth Orchestra Percussion Ensemble, the SSO Chamber Orchestra, and artists such as Ludovico Einaudi, Varsha, nkei, and more will take the stage throughout the event.

These performances will take place across several iconic venues, including the National Gallery Singapore, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall, the Asian Civilisations Museum, and Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.

Additionally, an art market will be set up at Level B1 of National Gallery Singapore’s The Spine Hall, featuring Make and Take Activity stations. Discover a variety of exquisite jewellery, unique gifts, and enchanting trinkets crafted by talented artisans.

Don’t forget to check the full performance schedule and secure tickets for any ticketed events in advance.

Other exciting highlights include a festival street on St. Andrew’s Road with food stalls and live music, a Dungeons & Dragons art quest, and gallery gigs by local musicians. Plus, if you’re looking to capture aesthetic photos, you’ll be sure to leave with plenty of new IG-worthy shots!

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CapitaLand Ushers in the Year of the Dragon with POP MART Lunar New Year Celebrations Islandwide

Hi Huneybees,

The adorable POP MART installations at CapitaLand Malls have undergone a revamp in celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year. Inspired by POP MART Disney-themed toys, you can spot your favourite POP MART blind box series photo spots as you shop across the 16 CapitaLand malls islandwide.


From now till 24 February, hop on down to experience the Tales of Joyful Reunion at CapitaLand Malls, and look forward to witnessing the mythical dragon come to life with Tell Your Children’s Dance of The Dragon - An Animated Light Art Installation as well as exciting retail experiences which include festive pop-up stores that feature collectible figurines and themed merchandise, and exclusive shopping rewards.

                                                                                        

See the mythical dragon come to life

This Lunar New Year, CapitaLand collaborates with one of Singapore’s leading creative studios and art collectives Tell Your Children - best known for their dynamic and innovative quirky approaches to image-making, illustration, and design - to showcase Dance of The Dragon - An Animated Light Art Installation.

The 8-metre-wide intricately sculptured dragon transforms to life (a 10-minute light show that activates every 30 minutes) with animated colour-chasing LED lights that harmonize with its poetic movements. The dragon also dances to the rhythm of the music, creating a visually electrifying spectacle. Meticulously crafted with traditional handiwork, this installation offers a modern spin on heritage and innovation, paying tribute to the rich cultural traditions of the Han ethnic group. The vibrant colours and playfulness of the artistic style by Tell Your Children artfully juxtapose with the fiery spirit of the dragon, creating a captivating display that sets the stage for a joyous celebration to welcome the Year of the Dragon. This new beginning promises success, prosperity, and abundance for all.

You can also share your experience at Dance of the Dragon with an Instagram filter, featuring a festive greeting when you capture moments at the installation, stand to win a $50 eCapitaVoucher when you do that. 

Dance of the Dragon will make its debut at Funan’s Level 1 Atrium from 18 January to 4 February 2024 which coincides with the Singapore Art Week 2024, Singapore’s pinnacle art season. The installation will then make its way to CQ @ Clarke Quay from 7 to 24 February 2024 to captivate new audiences. 

Delight in joyful reunions at CapitaLand malls

Photo spots inspired by POP MART’s Disney-themed collections will now don on new decorations to ring in the Lunar New Year. You can find traditional ornate lanterns, beautiful pink bonsai blooming ahead of spring, and lucky prosperity coins that symbolize good fortune for the auspicious year, accompanying the adorable life-size Disney blind boxes that are inspired by three fan-favourite series of POP MART blind boxes - Disney Classic Fairy Tales Series, Disney 100th Anniversary Mickey Ever-Curious Adventure Series, and Disney Princess Fairy Tale Friendship Series.

List of where to find each installation:

• Aperia - Robot Mickey
• Bedok Mall - Prince Mickey
• Bugis Junction - Tinkerbell
• Bugis+ - Bambi
• Bukit Panjang Plaza - Snow White
• CQ @ Clarke Quay - Donald Duck
• Funan - Stitch / Pinocchio
• IMM - Mulan / Jasmine
• Junction 8 - Muppet Mickey
• Lot One Shoppers' Mall - Cinderella
• Plaza Singapura - Dumbo
• Raffles City Singapore - Mickey Mouse
• SingPost Centre - Balloon Mickey
• Sengkang Grand Mall - Popcorn Mickey
• Tampines Mall - Woodcut Mickey
• Westgate - Belle and Beast

Strike your best pose with any of the installations and stand a chance to win a $50 eCapitaVoucher by sharing the photo on Instagram and tagging @CapitaLandMallsSG and @popmartsg. More information on all ongoing social media contests and designs can be found here.

Extending its run into the Lunar New Year, fans of POP MART can visit the exclusive POP MART POP-Up store at Tampines Mall, to purchase beloved POP MART merchandise and collectibles perfect for the season of giving and gifting.

Duration: 22 November 2023 to 13 February 2024

Disney fans can also look forward to a wide range of Disney-themed merchandise at Disney-themed pop-up stores located at Westgate, Junction 8, and Bugis+. With apparel, homeware, and more, these collections inspired by fan-favorite Disney characters are sure to be a hit at family reunions. Look out for Year of the Dragon Disney Lunch Bags that will be available at $8.80 (U.P. $35) with any purchase as well as the limited edition Year of the Dragon Disney Plushies that come in 6 different designs.

*While stocks last

Westgate: 15 January 2024 to 8 February 2024

Junction 8: 6 January 2024 to 18 February 2024

Bugis+: 17 January 2024 to 25 February 2024

Enjoy exclusive rewards, deals, and surprises

During this season of giving, shoppers who reach a minimum spend will stand a chance to redeem the eCapitaVoucher. CapitaStar members can enjoy exclusive perks and enjoy an opportunity to win more rewards of up to S$10 eCapitaVoucher.

In the spirit of sustainable gifting, shoppers can gift their family and loved ones digital red packets in amounts between S$10 to S$500 via the CapitaStar app. The eCapitaVoucher gifts will come with POP MART Disney-themed Lunar New Year designs.

There are more surprises in store for shoppers who spend at CapitaLand malls where you stand to win an all-expenses-paid trip for four to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. You can share about this exciting opportunity along with your season’s greetings to your loved ones with POP MART Disney-themed WhatsApp sticker packs, bringing families together in the spirit of giving this Lunar New Year. You can download the WhatsApp stickers here.

For more information on the rewards and activations on CapitaLand’s Lunar New Year

campaign, please visit https://www.capitaland.com/Tales-of-Joyful-Reunion.

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