This weekend, Art For Grabs teams up with Singapore Makers Association for a special edition of the city’s creative market happening at KL's favourite artsy mall, Publika. Different from the usual markets and bazaars, there’s always something more going on at Art For Grabs – screenings, forums, talks dan lain-lain. It’d be impossible to go to all of them, so these are our picks of what you shouldn’t miss (besides the bazaar itself).
1. Film screenings
If you’re up for a discussion about the blurring lines of sensitivity on Malaysian internet, watch the documentary ‘Viral, Sial’ as it explores the issues of expression, public space and women’s place in society. Want laughs instead? Singapore’s classic comedy by Jack Neo ‘I Not Stupid’ plays on Sunday after a collection of short films by Singapore’s top directors as part of Cinema Next Door.
Viral, Sial Publika, Nov 21, 6pm.
Cinema Next Door The Square, Nov 22, 3pm.
2. Music Live Next Door
Featuring Singapore’s top musical talents including Charlie Lim, Rustic Vibes, SA (仨) and Kailin Yong’s PLUS Trio. Malaysia’s indie sweetheart Liyana Fizi will also be performing, so expect a duet with Charlie Lim (they've performed together before in 2013).
The Square, Nov 21-22, 4.30pm.
3. Forums
Makers of Singapore and Malaysia talk about creating sustainable businesses from hobbies and passion projects at this forum headed by William Hooi (Singapore Makers Association), Adrian Lai (Thinkerers Malaysia) and Johnson Lam (Kaki DIY). If you can’t make it on Saturday, Sunday’s session will be talking about innovation and incubation of ideas, as well as the education aspects of the makers industry.
Maker Movements of Malaysia and Singapore: From making things to making a living The Boulevard, Nov 21, 12noon-2pm.
Making More Makers: Education, incubation, innovation The Boulevard, Nov 22, 3pm-5pm.
4. Project Causeway: A Cilisos Gameshow
See if you can tell the difference between Malaysians and Singaporeans in this gameshow. If registration is full, go there as a spectator or hang around the registration desk at 12.45pm to see if there are any available slots from late-comers.
The Square, Nov 22, 1pm-3pm.
5. Next Door Exhibition
This exhibition shines a spotlight on artists born after 1965 with artworks reflecting the ‘new generation’ of a ‘new nation’. Featured artists include Fong Qi Wei, Chi Too, Herman Chong, Yee I-Lann and Vertical Submarine, whose installation ‘Flirting Point’ is bound to create several meet-cute moments.
White Box, until Dec 13, 11am-7pm.
Bazaar Next Door: Art For Grabs + Singapore Makers Association happens Nov 21-22 at Publika.