Light To Night Festival 2023 is back with a full line-up like the pre-pandemic days. Perfect for balmy January evenings, the festival is a wonderful way of seeing the Civic District in a different light. This year, the festival takes place from 6 to 26 January with the theme “Here and Now”, calling for a time of reflection of one’s time and environment. The festival features a line-up of over 60 programmes and artworks by local and international artists.
We share our selection of must-see highlights at Light To Night Festival 2023.
Light To Night Festival 2023 Highlights: 6 Must-See Highlights around the Civic District
1. Art Skins on Monuments
Artskins on Monuments are back. See our monuments like National Gallery Singapore, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall lit in all colours, patterns and visuals during the Light to Night Festival 2023. Art Skins on Monuments will premiere commissions by international and local artists.
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Don’t miss the one at the National Gallery’s Rotunda Library and Archive dome by Davy and Kristin McGuire titled Botanica. Watch the blooming flowers and be mesmerised by the magical projections paired with the library’s table tops that come to life.
2. There Is a Window In My Eye if You Look In You Will See The Sky at National Gallery Singapore
Dawn Ng’s artwork at the Padang atrium in National Gallery Singapore recreates the circadian rhythm of dawn to dusk, capturing the light resplendent especially at sunrise and sunset. Observe the colours on the huge panels – why are the colours chosen? This artpiece was inspired by dormer windows in homes in the 17th century, where light dictated the rhythm of life.
3. Glimpse at National Gallery Singapore
Ponder the theme of “disability visibility” as you explore the self-guided installation co-created with four performers with disability. The installation and performance are structured around concepts of presence and absence, and will spotlight and expand on themes of self-care, disabled visibility, and the aesthetics of care.
4. Look to the Heavens at Asian Civilisations Museum
Be surrounded by sights and sounds at this outdoor installation at ACM Green. You will be provoked to think about your spirituality by this artwork while soaking in the soundscape. Made of thousands of clay pieces, plants and bamboo, come by this immersive spot overlooking the Singapore River and embrace the present. The installation will also be the site of performances on the evenings of 7 and 14 January.
5. Ephemeral at the Padang
Children will love the huge bubbles that have popped up at the Padang. Ephemeral is an immersive light and sound environment that aims to capture ephemerality in the form of bubble. Touch the bubbles and consider the world around you.
6. Hearing Padang at the Padang
Are you at a hearing? Do you hear yourself? Or do you hear others?
Hearing Padang is a massive interactive installation that consists of two curved structures that create an acoustic experience allowing sound to travel from one end the other.
It references the main function of the old Supreme Court building – now National Gallery Singapore – resolving disputes between people through hearings and the Padang historically built for public use.
7. Dwelling at The Arts House
Right outside The Arts House is an art installation that was inspired by how architects consider a “dwelling” as a home. This is a response to Yeow Kai Chai’s book “One to the Dark Tower Comes”, this dwelling has a light at its core that brings people together to nourish, protect and raise their spirits.
Other Activities at Light To Night Festival 2023
The Festival Village – Art X Social will also be back this year with over 50 food and beverage stalls, craft and art brands, live performances and outdoor workshops across St Andrew’s Road and Empress Lawn.
Live performances include Gallery Gigs and Gallery Mix with Kolektif Trivia Night, Artsplaining, Funny Fridays with stand-up comedians. A variety of musical performances at the Victoria Concert Hall include classical music performances at the atrium with Atrium Playoff and the Singapore National Youth Orchestra Percussion Ensemble. Esplanade Outdoor Theatre’s daily outdoor performances celebrate new music and fresh faces.
At the Asian Civilisations Museum, visitors can get crafty and join in activities like making their own Glow-in-the-dark Reminder Bracelet and Paint with Nature.
Light To Night Festival Timings
6 January to 26 January
Art Skins on Monuments 7.30pm to Midnight daily
Visiting hours for all other art installations vary.
Find out more about Light To Night Festival 2023 here.
