Oct 31 – Nov 2, 2025
Event Overview
The Singapore Art Book Fair returns for its largest edition yet, featuring over 120 local and international exhibitors from around the world. Since its inception in 2013, SGABF has grown to become Southeast Asia’s premier art book fair, attracting 4,500 visitors in 2024. This year marks a significant milestone as the fair moves into expanded spaces at the New Art Museum Singapore and Whitestone Gallery.
What Makes It Special
- Diverse International Presence: Exhibitors from Argentina to Vietnam, Cairo to Saigon, bringing global artistic perspectives
- Fresh Discoveries: Approximately 50% of exhibitors are first-timers, ensuring novel experiences even for returning visitors
- Notable Debuts: Local talent including graphic design trio Hause, Con-Temporary Art Editions, and visual artists Chin Lew and Isabell Hansen
- Unique Art Books: Three specially created books from the 14-week Thing Books Residency Programme:
- Refugia by Yuen Chee Wai (The Observatory musician)
- In The Year Of The Snake by Seth Cheong (exploring cinema and print)
- What Is The Soul, But Crazed With Longing For You by Nur Wahidah (Subsonic Eye)
- Hands-On Learning: Bookmaking workshops covering binding and printing techniques (additional registration required)
- Risograph Enthusiasts: New booths by WEDOGOOD (Saigon) and Rizo Masr (Cairo) showcasing vibrant risograph prints
How to Get There by Public Transport
Primary Route:
- MRT: Outram Park Station (East-West Line / North-East Line)
- Walking: 10-15 minute walk to 39 Keppel Road
- Route: Exit the station, head south along Cantonment Road, turn onto Keppel Road
Alternative Routes:
- Bus Services: Take buses 10, 30, 57, 61, 80, 93, 97, 100, 145, 166, or 196 to stops near Keppel Road
- From Tanjong Pagar MRT: 15-minute walk via Neil Road and Keppel Road
Venue Details:
- New Art Museum Singapore and Whitestone Gallery
- 05-03/06 Tanjong Pagar Distripark
- 39 Keppel Road
Practical Information
- Hours: Noon to 8pm daily
- Tickets: $6 online (until Oct 27), $8 at door (limited availability)
- Entry: Per-day tickets (not multi-day passes)
- Website: singaporeartbookfair.org
Dining Options Near Venue
Within Walking Distance:
- Tanjong Pagar Area (10 minutes): Famous food street with diverse options including Korean BBQ, Japanese izakayas, trendy cafes, and fine dining
- Craig Road: Boutique restaurants and hip cafes
- Keong Saik Road: Heritage area with fusion restaurants, traditional eateries, and specialty coffee shops
- Chinatown Complex (15 minutes): Hawker center with affordable local food including Michelin-starred stalls
- Duxton Hill: Upscale dining with European and Asian fusion restaurants
Quick Bites:
- Convenience stores near Tanjong Pagar Distripark
- Cafes within the museum complex (check availability)
Values and Lessons to Learn
1. Supporting Independent Publishing The fair champions small presses, independent publishers, and self-published artists who might not have access to mainstream distribution channels. This teaches the importance of alternative voices in the arts ecosystem.
2. Materiality in the Digital Age As founder Renee Ting emphasizes, the fair creates “space for meaningful engagement with the materiality of printed matter.” In our screen-dominated world, this reminds us of the tactile, sensory experience that physical books provide.
3. Cross-Cultural Exchange With exhibitors spanning continents, visitors gain exposure to diverse artistic traditions, printing techniques, and storytelling approaches from Argentina to Cairo to Vietnam.
4. Craftsmanship and Process The bookmaking workshops highlight the skill, patience, and technical knowledge required in print production, fostering appreciation for artisanal work.
5. Community Building Art book fairs serve as gathering places for artists, collectors, and enthusiasts, demonstrating how shared interests create meaningful communities.
6. Accessibility of Art With affordable entry ($6-8) and a range of price points for books and zines, the fair makes art collecting accessible beyond wealthy collectors.
Event 2: Congratulations, Get Rich!
Oct 29 – Nov 9, 2025
Event Overview
This supernatural musical comedy is a co-production between Singapore Repertory Theatre, Australia’s La Boite Theatre, and Sydney Theatre Company. Written by and starring Singaporean-Australian playwright Merlynn Tong, the play premiered in Brisbane in September 2025 to four-star reviews before coming to Singapore.
The Story
Set in a failing karaoke bar, owner Mandy organizes a last-ditch karaoke extravaganza to save her business. The evening takes an unexpected turn when two ghostly guests appear: her mother who died over 20 years ago and a mysterious woman. The play blends comedy, music, and supernatural elements while exploring themes of grief, family, and cultural identity.
What Makes It Special
- Autobiographical Elements: Tong draws from her childhood experiences with her parents’ karaoke outlets and processes her mother’s suicide when she was 14
- Cultural Resonance: Karaoke culture holds deep significance in Asian communities as spaces for connection and expression
- International Success: Lauded as “hilarious and heart-wrenching” by Limelight Magazine
- Real-Life Romance: Tong’s actual fiancé Zachary Boulton plays her onstage lover
- Homecoming: Tong’s first Singapore performance after living in Australia since age 22
- Musical Comedy: Combines live singing with narrative storytelling
How to Get There by Public Transport
Primary Route:
- MRT: Bugis Station (East-West Line / Downtown Line)
- Walking: 5-minute walk to National Library Building
- Route: Exit via Victoria Street exit, the National Library is prominently visible
Alternative Routes:
- MRT: Bras Basah Station (Circle Line) – 8-minute walk
- Bus Services: Multiple buses stop along Victoria Street including 2, 12, 32, 33, 51, 61, 63, 80, 130, 133, 145, 197, and more
Venue Details:
- Drama Centre Theatre
- Level 3, National Library Building
- 100 Victoria Street
Performance Schedule
- Tuesdays to Fridays: 7:30pm
- Saturdays: 2:30pm and 7:30pm
- Sundays: 2:30pm
- Tickets: $28 to $88
- Website: www.srt.com.sg/show/congratulations-get-rich
Dining Options Near Venue
Bugis Area (Immediate Vicinity):
- Bugis Junction: Multi-level shopping mall with food court, cafes, and restaurants
- Bugis Street: Street food, budget eateries, and casual dining
- Bugis+ Shopping Mall: Food outlets including Japanese, Korean, and Western chains
- Albert Centre Food Centre: Traditional hawker center with local favorites
Bras Basah/Bencoolen Area:
- Chijmes: Heritage building complex with upscale restaurants and bars
- National Museum Cafe: Pre-show dining option
- Bencoolen Street: Mix of cafes, restaurants, and dessert shops
- Middle Road: Local eateries and coffee shops
For Pre-Theatre Dining:
- Aim to eat 1.5-2 hours before showtime
- Many restaurants in Bugis Junction offer quick service
- Consider booking ahead on weekends
Values and Lessons to Learn
1. Processing Grief Through Art Tong’s work demonstrates how creative expression can help process trauma and loss. Her repeated exploration of her mother’s death shows art as a form of healing and understanding.
2. Cultural Identity and Diaspora The play explores what it means to be Singaporean while living abroad, touching on themes of belonging, nostalgia, and cultural memory represented through karaoke culture.
3. Intergenerational Dialogue The supernatural element of the mother’s ghost allows exploration of what remains unsaid between generations, particularly in Asian families where emotional expression can be challenging.
4. Small Business Struggles The failing karaoke bar represents the challenges faced by small, family-run businesses in changing economic landscapes.
5. Finding Humor in Darkness The play’s comedic approach to heavy themes teaches that laughter and sorrow can coexist, and humor can be a coping mechanism for difficult experiences.
6. The Power of Music Karaoke as a setting highlights how music serves as a universal language for emotional expression and human connection.
7. Collaboration Across Borders The international co-production demonstrates how creative partnerships can transcend geography and bring diverse perspectives to storytelling.
Event 3: A Love Song – Photography Exhibition
Oct 25 – Dec 18, 2025
Event Overview
Photographer Mary-Ann Teo presents an exhibition of black-and-white photographs capturing Singapore’s vibrant local music scene. As a regular at live gigs, Teo documents both established bands and emerging acts, seeking moments of stillness amid the chaos of mosh pits and energetic performances.
Featured Bands
- Stalwart Acts: Force Vomit, The Stoned Revivals, Hanging Up the Moon
- Emerging Bands: The CB Dogs, True Anger
- Genre Diversity: From punk to indie rock to experimental sounds
What Makes It Special
- Opening Day Performances (Oct 25, 2-6:30pm):
- Acoustic sets by Ashvind Ramani, TypeWriter, The Oddfellows, The CB Dogs, Leslie Low, Hanging Up The Moon, and Piblokto
- Exclusive merchandise from The Oddfellows and The CB Dogs
- Intimate Perspective: Teo’s photographs come from established friendships with bands, offering insider views
- Documentary Value: Preserving a crucial but often under-documented aspect of Singapore’s cultural landscape
- Free Admission: Making the exhibition accessible to all
- Extended Run: Two months to explore at leisure
How to Get There by Public Transport
Primary Routes:
- MRT: Bras Basah Station (Circle Line) – 3-minute walk
- MRT: Bencoolen Station (Downtown Line) – 5-minute walk
- Walking: From either station, head to Middle Road; Objectifs is prominently located
Alternative Routes:
- Bus Services: Multiple services along Middle Road including 2, 12, 32, 33, 51, 61, 63, 80, 130, 145, 197
- From Bugis MRT: 10-minute walk via Albert Street
Venue Details:
- Objectifs Courtyard
- Objectifs – Centre for Photography and Film
- 155 Middle Road
Practical Information
- Exhibition Dates: Oct 25 – Dec 18, 2025
- Opening Event: Oct 25, 2-7pm (with live performances)
- Admission: Free
- Website: www.objectifs.com.sg/a-love-song
Dining Options Near Venue
Bras Basah/Bugis Area:
- Middle Road: Mix of traditional coffee shops, modern cafes, and casual eateries
- Ophelia at Beach Road: Trendy cafe with all-day breakfast
- Queen Street: Muslim eateries and traditional restaurants
- Bugis Street: Budget-friendly hawker stalls and street food
Cultural Precinct Dining:
- National Museum Cafe: Gallery-style dining
- Chijmes: Upscale options in heritage setting
- Kampong Glam (10 minutes): Arab Street area with Middle Eastern restaurants, hip cafes, and Malay cuisine
Post-Concert/Exhibition:
- Haji Lane: Boutique cafes and bars perfect for post-show discussions
- Beach Road: Late-night supper spots
- Bugis+/Junction: Reliable chain restaurants”
Values and Lessons to Learn
1. Documenting Underground Culture Teo’s work preserves Singapore’s alternative music scene, which often lacks mainstream visibility. This teaches the importance of documenting subcultures that contribute to a city’s creative diversity.
2. Community and Connection As Teo notes, photographing bands requires establishing genuine friendships. This highlights how authentic relationships enhance creative work and understanding.
3. Finding Beauty in Chaos Seeking stillness in mosh pits represents the artistic challenge of finding moments of clarity and meaning in overwhelming environments.
4. Supporting Local Arts Teo photographs local bands “because I love their music and I thought they deserve to be seen and heard more.” This embodies grassroots cultural advocacy.
5. Accessible Arts Spaces Free admission and an outdoor courtyard setting demonstrate how art institutions can create welcoming, non-intimidating spaces for public engagement.
6. The Value of Live Music The exhibition celebrates in-person musical experiences in an age of streaming, reminding us of the irreplaceable energy of live performance.
7. Photography as Advocacy Teo’s statement “I wanted them to be seen the way I see them” shows how photography can be an act of cultural documentation and artist advocacy.
8. Intergenerational Music Scene Featuring both veteran bands and new acts demonstrates how healthy music scenes require mentorship and continuity across generations.
Cross-Event Themes and Reflections
The Importance of Physical Spaces
All three events emphasize the value of physical gathering: touching printed books, experiencing live theatre, and viewing photographs in person. In our digital age, these events remind us that embodied experiences create different kinds of meaning and connection.
Singapore’s Creative Identity
Together, these events showcase Singapore’s multifaceted creative scene: international art book culture, theatrical innovation with diasporic perspectives, and homegrown music communities. They challenge perceptions of Singapore as purely business-focused.
Accessibility and Inclusion
With options ranging from free (photography exhibition) to affordable ($6-8 for art fair) to moderate ($28-88 for theatre), these events demonstrate commitment to making arts accessible across economic backgrounds.
Documentation and Memory
All three events involve preservation: printed matter that lasts, theatrical documentation of personal history, and photographic records of ephemeral performances. They collectively argue for the importance of cultural memory.
Community Over Commerce
While commercial elements exist, all three events prioritize community building, artistic expression, and cultural preservation over profit maximization.
Planning Your Arts Weekend
Suggested Itinerary
Friday, October 25:
- Afternoon: Attend “A Love Song” opening at Objectifs (2-7pm) with live music
- Dinner: Kampong Glam area
- Evening: Optional walk through nearby cultural district
Saturday, November 1:
- Afternoon: Singapore Art Book Fair at Tanjong Pagar Distripark (noon-8pm)
- Dinner: Tanjong Pagar/Chinatown dining scene
- Evening: “Congratulations, Get Rich!” at Drama Centre (7:30pm show)
Sunday, November 2:
- Afternoon: Return to Art Book Fair for bookmaking workshop
- Late afternoon: Final browse before 8pm closing
Transportation Tips
- Consider getting a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited MRT/bus travel
- All venues are in central Singapore within 20 minutes of each other by MRT
- Download the SG BusLens or MyTransport app for real-time transport information
- Keep small change for occasional bus-only routes
General Recommendations
- Book theatre tickets in advance for better seating
- Bring reusable bags for art book purchases
- Arrive early for workshop registration at the art fair
- Photography is usually restricted in galleries and theatres—check policies
- Singapore’s indoor venues are air-conditioned; bring a light jacket
Conclusion
These three events represent the vitality and diversity of Singapore’s contemporary arts scene. Whether you’re drawn to the tactile pleasures of artist books, the emotional catharsis of live theatre, or the documentary power of photography, this late October/early November period offers rich opportunities for cultural engagement. Each event invites different forms of participation—collecting, witnessing, and reflecting—but all share a commitment to making art a communal, accessible, and meaningful experience.
By attending these events, visitors don’t just consume culture; they become part of Singapore’s ongoing conversation about identity, memory, creativity, and community.