There are places in Singapore that we walk past so often, we eventually stop really looking at them.
The Civic District is probably one of those places for many of us. We recognise the grand buildings, know the museums and have probably photographed them countless times. But when was the last time we actually slowed down and noticed the little details?
That is exactly what Sketch Up 2026 is inviting us to do.
Returning to the Civic District on 12 September 2026, Arts House Group's Sketch Up turns the precinct into an open-air drawing room once again, bringing artists, sketching enthusiasts and curious beginners together to capture one of Singapore's cultural landmarks from their own perspectives.
This time, all eyes, and sketchbooks, are turning towards the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM).
Seeing the Asian Civilisations Museum Differently
Since its launch in 2024, Sketch Up has been encouraging people to experience the Civic District through art rather than simply walking from one attraction to another.
The idea is refreshingly simple: pick a spot, sit down, observe and sketch what you see.
And no, you don't have to be an artist.
What I like about the concept is that everyone can be looking at exactly the same building, yet walk away with completely different interpretations of it. One person might be drawn to ACM's architecture, another to its windows and columns, while someone else might capture the people, trees or everyday activity happening around it.
For the 2026 edition, Arts House Group is taking that idea a little further with a new artist-led workshop.
New for 2026: The Art of Noticing
Before the mass sketching session begins, a limited group of participants can join The Art of Noticing, led by Ying of Ying In Art.
Rather than focusing solely on drawing techniques, the workshop encourages participants to slow down and pay closer attention to the architecture, details and stories hidden within familiar surroundings.
Instead of looking at ACM and simply thinking, "I've seen this building before", you might start noticing the shapes, textures, shadows and tiny architectural details that normally disappear into the background when you're rushing somewhere.
And perhaps that's the more interesting takeaway from Sketch Up. It's not necessarily about creating the perfect drawing. It's about learning to look at familiar spaces differently.
The workshop is beginner-friendly, so you don't need any previous sketching experience to take part.
Then Find Your Own View of ACM
From 4pm to 6pm, Sketch Up opens up for its signature mass sketching session.
Participants can find their own vantage point around ACM and the surrounding Civic District before translating what catches their attention onto paper.
There isn't one "correct" view to draw. You could focus on the museum's distinctive façade, zoom in on an architectural detail or step further back and capture ACM as part of the wider cityscape.
In a world where we're so used to snapping a photo and moving on, there's something rather lovely about spending time in one place long enough to actually study it. Maybe you'll notice something you've walked past a dozen times without ever seeing.
A Few Perks for Sketchers
Participants should bring their own preferred sketching materials and tools, but early birds can look forward to a few extras.
The first 200 mass sketching participants who check in on event day will receive a Sketch Up bucket hat and Pencil Sketching Set goodie bag, while participants attending The Art of Noticing workshop will receive a Watercolour Set goodie bag.
*All participants can also enjoy 15% off dining at Baker & Cook at ACM on 12 September.
Your Sketch Could Win You Prizes Too
The experience doesn't end when everyone puts down their pencils. Participants can upload their completed works to a digital Sketch Up showcase, allowing the public to see the different interpretations of ACM and vote for their favourites.
The Grand Prize winner will receive a Creative Art Station worth S$280, a S$50 UmiStrong voucher and ACM exhibition tickets.
Two runners-up will each receive a Desktop Creative Station worth S$160, a S$50 UmiStrong voucher and ACM exhibition tickets.
Even voters get a little something to look forward too, with two lucky voters walking away with exclusive gift cards.
Maybe We Should Look at Singapore a Little Slower
What draws me to Sketch Up isn't really the competition or even the sketching itself.
It's the idea of noticing.
Singapore changes so quickly that we're always looking for what's new, what's opening next and where we should go this weekend. Sometimes, though, there's something equally interesting about returning to somewhere familiar and asking ourselves: What haven't I noticed before?
You might arrive at ACM thinking you're there to draw a building, but perhaps you'll leave having discovered a side of the Civic District you've never really paid attention to. So what if your sketch isn't museum-worthy, that's perfectly fine.
Sometimes the best souvenir isn't the prettiest drawing. It's simply proof that, for an afternoon, you stopped long enough to really look.
Sketch Up 2026 Event Details
Sketch Up 2026 at Asian Civilisations Museum
Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026
Venue: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
Mass Sketching Session
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Registration: 4pm – 5.30pm
Price: S$5 refundable deposit
Bookings: https://bookmyshow.sg/en/e/SKETCH26
The Art of Noticing Workshop
Time: 3pm – 4.30pm
Price: S$15
Capacity: Limited to 35 participants
Bookings: https://sketch-up-2026-the-art-of-noticing.peatix.com
For more information on Sketch Up 2026, visit:
https://www.artshousegroup.sg/civic-district/sketch-up-2026.
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