Things to do in Singapore today

Literary lovers, take your noses out of the pages and meet international luminaries such as Zadie Smith and Margaret Atwood, as well as acclaimed Singaporean authors like Balli Kaur Jaswal and Ning Cai at the Singapore Writers Festival (SWF). This year, the annual multilingual – and multicultural – festival takes over the virtual space to connect readers, authors, thinkers and festival-goers from Singapore and around the world through a diverse line-up of multi-disciplinary programmes. Take part in new online experiences in the form of digital installations, podcasts, and vodcasts while also enjoying festival favourites such as thought-provoking panel discussions, workshops, readings, and exhibitions. Here's what you can expect at SWF.

After the first pilot closed-door sporting event on October 9, One Championship returns to the Singapore Indoor Stadium on October 30 for another round of must-see bouts. Set to take the circle in front of 250 in-person audiences, One: Inside the Matrix features four One World Title bouts, with Middleweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang of Myanmar and Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder of The Netherlands in the main event. To witness all the hard-hitting action in the flesh, snap up the Superfan ticket package ($148) which includes safe seating plan as well as the addition of special One Championship branded merchandise. For those unable to join in person, you can still catch all the action on One Super App, and One's social media channels, as well as Channel 5 and meWatch app.

Does the new norm feel like a surreal dream? To capture these strange times, OH! Open House is rolling out a "sleepwalking" digital art experience titled Days — and counting, kickstarting with a live-stream performance of local multidisciplinary artist Pat Toh's Topography of Breath 2.0 on October 28. Doubling as an immersive virtual trail, the experience takes place over three seasons, embodying the notion of dreams through audio, text, and moving images. Season 1: Walls Crumble launches on October 30 with some TV nostalgia. Through the old-school Teletext, traverse a surrealist narrative of a sleeping man's dreamscapes. Delve deeper into the idea of home during the circuit breaker with unique artworks by local artists Ang Kia Yee, Hunny & Lummy, Kevin Fee, Pat Toh, and Tristan Lim – all without leaving the comfort of your couch or bed.

Step through the Anywhere Door and embark on a time-travelling adventure with Doraemon. Meet the cat-type robot from our childhood through photo opportunities within the grounds of the National Museum of Singapore and specially-designed collectables. One of the most iconic doors in Japanese manga and anime, the Anywhere Door is found alongside adorable Doraemon statues across the museum's front lawn – perfect for a photo opportunity. Inside the museum, the Time Machine, another classic gadget invites you to travel through both time and space.

Let the annual beachside barbecue food festival bring the flavours of Sentosa straight to your door. The home edition debuts with a series of cooking tutorials, DIY grill kits, and an exclusive menu including 14 novel dishes available via delivery. Satiate your appetite for smoky treats such as burnt bee hoon with grilled prawns ($18), 16-hour BBQ short ribs ($24), and seafood laksa linguini ($18). Want to fire up the grill? Prices for the DIY grill kits start from $45 for a truffle beef burger set to $75 for a mixed grill that's good for four. And to help you with mastering the grill, tune in to the live cooking classes held every Tuesdays via Sentosa GrillFest’s LazMall Flagship Store. 

Get into the festive spirit with the Indian Heritage Centre's online and on-site Deepavali programmes and activities. From the comfort of your couch, explore the unique ways that the Festival of Light is observed in Singapore by tapping on the collective memory of various communities, as well as the customs and traditions observed by them. Alternatively, take a trip down to the heritage centre for a trishaw trail that takes you around the vibrant heritage precinct. The heritage centre is also giving away some goodies including limited edition EZ-link cards and money packets featuring the peacock design from this year's Deepavali street light-up.

Every year, Little India shines a little brighter for Deepavali, also known as Diwali. After all, it is the Festival of Lights, a celebration that symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This year, Deepavali falls on November 14, but the festivities have started early as the vibrant cultural enclave illuminates in a dazzling array of peacocks, lotus flowers, and oil lamps come nightfall – just as impressive as the Christmas lights in Orchard Road. The main centrepiece of the vivid-hued stretch, however, is Goddess Mahalakshmi. The Hindu goddess of wealth sits on a lotus flower atop the main arch in Serangoon Road, flanked by two majestic peacocks and elephants.

Head over to the Ethnobotany Garden of Singapore Botanic Gardens for an eye-opening outdoor installation that introduces one of Malaysia's many tribes. Titled Cēb bah hēp, meaning to enter the forest, it showcases nine photographs highlighting the culture and identity of the Orang Asli Batek tribe in Taman Negara. Debuted in Kuala Lumpur, the exhibition is now making its way across the border in a bid to spark a larger conversation on indigenous peoples and their relationship with the rainforest across Southeast Asia.

Sample one of the world’s most exceptional single malt Scotch whiskies, The Macallan, in a fully immersive and integrated experiential space. To match The Macallan's rich heritage, the experience is set amidst the unrivalled elegance of the Raffles Hotel Singapore. It promises to take guests through a sensorial and memorable whisky journey with a state-of-the-art sensory cinema, an interactive kinetic art installation, and an archival gallery. Over at the whisky lounge, treat yourself to the finest range of exquisite single malts and curated cocktails. Private masterclasses and tasting experiences are also available to book.

If you've got a need for speed beyond Mario Kart, strap on your helmet for an electric go-kart competition IRL. Masters of Speed Go Kart Time Attack invites speed demons of all levels and ages to rev their engines and clock their best timings for a chance to walk away with attractive prizes and bragging rights. The family-friendly competition also allows kids as young as nine, as well as family teams consisting of one adult and one child to take part.

If you love local theatre – especially one that leaves you in stitches – then mark your calendar for Lights Up! This online 45-minute musical revue is a collaborative effort by the Esplanade, Dream Academy, and National Arts Council, with more than 35 freelance artists, musicians, creatives, filming, and technical crew – all as part of an initiative to provide support to freelance artists during this challenging period. Cosy up for a refreshing spin on Singapore's musical theatre classics such as W!ld Rice's first-ever pantomime Cinderel-lah!, Dream Academy's cult classic Dim Sum Dollies, and Sing Dollar, featuring songs from the Non-Essential Chan-Tan Songbook.

Under the banner SSOPlayOn!, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra's (SSO) digital season continues with more concerts to be streamed from the stage to the comfort of your sweet digs via Sistic Live. Delight in a trio of concerts led by the SSO's new Chief Conductor Hans Graf, including a programme pairing Richard Strauss’s Metamorphosen with Mozart’s “Gran Partita” Serenade on November 6. Other highlights include An Evening of French Music (November 20) in which Darrell Ang conducts works by Debussy, Ravel and Ibert.

No matter where you are in time, there's always the good, the bad, and the ugly. This year, the annual ACM After Dark family-friendly scare-fest goes online with an exclusive virtual tour that reveals the heroes and villains in galleries of the Asian Civilisations Museum, alongside the ancient stories and secrets of Asian civilisations. Other spine-tingling activities include video tutorials on making spooky souvenirs and special bento sets, as well as a music and drama performance about the fall of Bukit Larangan on ACM's Facebook page.

See the evolution of Singapore’s cityscape through the eyes of local artist Melissa Tan at the SAM Mini Mobile Museum. The travelling art exhibition is making its way to Woodlands Regional Library from October 28 to December 13, before heading to Jurong and Tampines regional libraries between December 16 to March 21 to showcase the latest commission The Dream from the Other Side, featuring works by Melissa that explore the continual evolution of Singapore’s topography. These works can also be viewed online from November onwards on SAM's website.

As part of the Singapore International Photography Festival, Inside Out Singapore's mobile booth hits the road, heading to the city's cultural precincts to take portraits of participants inside the truck and exhibiting them at various iconic locations. The trucks will be positioned at Deck, The Substation, 37 Emerald Hill, Kreta Ayer Square, and ION Orchard from 12pm to 7pm, and Tekka Centre from 11am to 6pm. Be sure to register for a slot here. Then keep your eyes peeled for 1,000 portraitures and stories of people in Singapore – all in a bid to capture the essence of the city's unique collective identity.

Titled Today's Special, Malaysian artist Yeoh Choo Kuan's first exhibition comes as part of #SGGalleryWeekend. The artist presents works from his oeuvre completed from 2016 to 2020. The works mostly culminate as Yeoh's artistic contextualisation of the current media phenomenon in the United States, closely tied to the current presidency of Donald Trump and his legacy in the reality TV show The Apprentice. The chopping board acts as a persistent iconography in Yeoh's shaped board series.

The National Archives of Singapore (NAS) may not have a time-travelling machine to transport you back in time, but it does free informative Zoom sessions that reveal the nation's history through archives collection. Journey through Modern Singapore's formative years via family films, government productions, old TV programmes and more audiovisual treasures with Rewind: (Re)discovering Singapore of the 1960s, 70s and 80s (October 27), and take a dive deep into a 170 volume set of handwritten colonial-era manuscripts with Highlights of the Straits Settlements Records (November 19).

Take a closer look at every nook and cranny of the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, and you might just find a mini garden. No two are the same as these mini garden displays rotate every fortnight as part of the Pocket Gardens Surprise. The ongoing Edible Garden features vegetables and herbs grown for use in the kitchen, highlighting the importance of food security and resilience.

You may have binge-watched the whole season of Emily in Paris, but French art de vivre is better experienced firsthand. The annual Voilah! French Festival Singapore returns with a diverse range of on-site and virtual experiences that merge the best of French and Singaporean cultures. It features 110 Singaporean and French participating partners, the biggest number so far since the founding of Voilah! The festival opens up with activities that commemorate the 100th anniversary of the visits by former French premier Georges Clemenceau to Singapore, including an exhibition at National Museum of Singapore in partnership with Paris’s Musée Clemenceau.

Ever wondered what was going on in Monet's head when he dreamt up his popular water lilies paintings; or what it would be like to be in a Post-Impressionist painting? You can soon virtually step into super iconic masterpieces by French and Francophone old masters such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Gauguin, and Arnold Bocklin. See the masterpieces brought to life through four award-winning films, with the help of Virtual Reality (VR) technology. There are also creative workshops for kids where they can learn to express ideas and online chats with French renowned film directors and producers behind the animation films. 

The Projector is bringing its annual screamfest to both its physical theatre at the historic Golden Theatre, and its video streaming platform The Projector Plus. Grab your popcorn for What We Do In The Shadows, screened onsite on October 23 and 31. It follows three vampires struggling to cope with the complexities of modern life in New York. And if you're looking to turn your humble abode into a house of horror, tune into online exclusives Extra Ordinary and A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night. The former sees a driving instructor using her supernatural talents to save a girl from a Satanic pact, while the latter features a skateboarding vampire who preys on men who disrespect women in an Iranian city.

Go beyond Hollywood blockbusters with this student-led event, which returns with more thought-provoking indie titles and lesser-known gems for its 13th edition on The Projector Plus. This year's lineup features eight international films by emerging directors, with six Southeast Asia premieres, all centred around the theme of 'Truth'. Highlights include Feels Good Man, the Sundance Award-winning documentary about Pepe the Frog as a viral symbol for the controversial American alt-right movement, and Farewell Amor which follows an immigrant family reuniting in a foreign country after being torn apart by war and time.

There's a new Saturday lunch-time affair for you and your girlfriends to delight in. Starting from October 24, Cé La Vi is rolling out a convivial boozy brunch experience for guests every Saturday, except the first weekend of the month, all set against the stunning Singapore skyline. Cheers to the weekend with free-flowing Prosecco, white, rosé and red wine, spirits, beer, and signature cocktails by lead mixologist Andrew Hyman including the Blueberry Mule, Once In A Lifetime and Golden Age from $88 for three hours. Food-wise, sample a sumptuous array of delectable contemporary Asian dishes including wagyu beef tataki, fine de claire oysters, and king salmon-jicama roll. 

Interdisciplinary artist Song-Ming and curator Michelle Ho are bringing their internationally-acclaimed exhibition to our shores after its celebrated run at the 58th Venice Biennale in 2019. The homecoming exhibition appeals to music lovers everywhere with displays that reference a series of music concerts organised by Singapore's Ministry of Culture from 1971 to 1985, in response to deploying the arts as a means of nation-building during this period. The physical showcase also examines the relationship we have with music on a personal and societal level through the humble recorder and the universal language of music-making, as well as online dialogue sessions and digital programmes.

Gather your little Einsteins and dive deep into the science behind various topics such as sustainable food through more than 30 online experiences including live shows, challenges, and Untamed Conversations with local and international STEM heroes. Passholders who take part in the curated on-site activities and workshops at the Science Centre Singapore will also receive a power-packed kit.

You best believe it's been 100 years since the cinema release of the first horror film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. To mark this special occasion, ArtScience on Screen is transforming into a spookfest with a lineup of online and offline programmes from October 10 to November 6. Revisit the old-but-gold scary movie in its full restored glory at the ArtScience Museum, and stay glued for the specially curated series of David Lynch's nightmarish short films. If you're staying home for fright night, tune in into a livestream musical séance of sorts featuring local producer Fauxe as he channels the ghoulish energies of Caligari. The crazed character is also reimagined by five local illustrators as local folklore in October Screen Zine. Still creeping around online? Check out the museum's spooky virtual tour and see some of its biggest and past exhibitions.

Whether you’re a dance lover or dipping your (pointe) toes into the scene for the first time, the annual dance festival will open your mind, lift your spirit, and get your body moving with a series of performances and workshops – even it's all online. See dance reimagined with a Zoom boogie, pop and lock with a Japanese street dance quartet, follow a Thai dancer as he documents the future possibilities of a classical Thai dance, trace the movements of a specially assembled cast from 14 African countries on a beach in Senegal, and catch a glimpse of a ballet star's everyday life. You can also polish your footwork with a creative workshop by award-winning British choreographer Wayne McGregor.

Already in its 24th year, the German Film Festival (GFF) returns a diverse range of films on contemporary issues, with gripping narratives and strong characters seeking their place in an ever-changing and complex world. Spread over two weeks, the film fest will be screened at independent cinema The Projector as well as its online streaming platform The Projector Plus, kicking off with the quirky debut of Berlin director and illustrator Xaver Böhm, O Beautiful Night. The film follows a fearful young man and his unlikely journey with Death himself. Other highlights include award-winning films System Crasher and Chris the Swiss.

At Rappu, a new pop-up Japanese handroll bar, it is encouraged that the food is consumed within four seconds. The reason: for maximum enjoyment. Here, the seaweed wrapper enveloping the sushi rice is kept and served warm to retain all its crispness – an often overlooked component in most handrolls. From now till November 29, Rappu is taking up residence at Revamp Cocktail Bar, turning the tables of the watering hole into a sushi counter. The menu features a concise selection of just seven handrolls, including an over-the-top creation crowned with uni, wagyu, and caviar.

Take a closer look at every nook and cranny of the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, and you might just find a mini garden. No two are the same as these mini garden displays rotate every fortnight as part of the Pocket Gardens Surprise. For a limited time only, snap a selfie next to a giant teacup at It’s Always Tea Time (until October 11), marvel at the dreamy canopy of trailing flowering and foliage plants at Hanging Gardens (until October 25), take respite amidst the luscious shades of green at An Urban Oasis (October 5 to November 1), and observe the versatility of ornamental epiphytic plants at Plant Library (October 12 to November 8).

Whether you've fallen victim to bullying or have been on the other end of it, reflect your own experiences with this interactive exhibition at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH). Especially for kids aged between nine and 12, the exhibition features comic artwork that takes visitors on a quest to save the fictional world of Scribble Town alongside characters Sam, Dan, and Lydia. Through the adventure, observe the interactions between the characters and gain a better understanding of the different types of bullying, how and why bullying occurs, and the corresponding impact on the involved parties.

Explore the power of cinema with the Asian Film Archive's latest Reframe programme: An (In)Hospitable World. Screened at the Oldham Theatre, the programme spotlights thought-provoking films from Germany, Armenia, and the Philippines, among others, that capture the current ecological and environmental crises, while pushing audiences to see the world through various lenses, beyond conventional human perspectives. Must-see titles include Island of the Hungry Ghosts which is set on Christmas Island, Tak Lub which follows survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, and Nothing to be Afraid Of which documents five female mine clearers on their risky job.

AndSoForth is back – but don't expect another immersive theatrical dining experience. Instead, the local theatre group is hosting a book analysis workshop based on Jules Verne, Around the World in 80 Days. But unlike your usual book club, this one features the use of costumes, set designs, and cuisines to interpret the famous novel, so do come with an empty stomach. And just like any AndSoForth experience, the secret location will be disclosed to ticket holders within 24 hours before the workshop. While there are more hands-on activities to partake, there will be no live performances due to the current regulations and guidelines from the government to ensure safety.

The two-hour adventure takes explorers to Faber Peak, uncovering the lesser-known stories of Singapore along the way. It starts with a trip down memory lane at the Mural Wall, before heading for the peak of Faber Point, where you can delight in the breathtaking view which stretches to the southern islands. While you're at it, snap a cheeky selfie with the three-metre-tall Merlion, and learn about the mystical icon. Then ring Poland's Bells of Happiness for some good luck. Perfect for families, the fully-guided tour also comes with a complimentary round-trip cable car ride on the Mount Faber Line.

Experience our national treasures in a whole new way with Music at Monuments, a new digital performance series by the National Heritage Board and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. From now till December, embark on a sonic adventure through the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), Goodwood Park Hotel, Jurong Town Hall and Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall with local musicians including The Apex Project, Derrick Hoh, Musa, and Fingerfunk. Set against the backdrop of these iconic buildings, they'll be bringing you all-time classics like Fly Me To The Moon and All I Want For Christmas Is You to mark the upcoming festivities. Catch the monthly uploads on the National Heritage Board and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre's official website and social media pages. 

The global pandemic has roused a confusing mix of emotions ranging from fear, anxiety, loneliness to hope. Never Before, an online exhibition presented by The National Museum of Singapore, aims to capture our collective state of mind as we move into the new normal. Designer Yang Derong has curated a sprawling collection of 137 works by photographers, writers, architects and more. Arranged in nine chapters, they showcase a stark, visual documentary of our psyche in these unprecedented times.

Trace the paintbrush strokes of Filipino artist Elaine Roberto-Navas' new works as she showcases her inaugural solo exhibition at Fost Gallery. Known for her lush landscapes, the contemporary painter shapes the sky, water, and earth into abstract masterpieces that collectively give the illusion of a scene after persistent observation. The artworks were created as an expression of Roberto-Navas' sense of optimism during the circuit breaker. They are also inspired by the photographs of fellow artist Mawen Ong.

In response to global warming, architects all over the world, including Singapore, are exploring various responsible designs and architectural ideas that could benefit ecology and humanity. Themed 'Architecture Saving Our World', this year’s Archifest invites all to delve deeper into the city's urban environment, examine the role of architecture in today's global climate, and get inside the mind of an architect. This marks its first hybrid edition, featuring a myriad of immersive online and offline programmes including online forums, virtual exhibitions, hybrid workshops, decentralised islandwide pop-up activities, and an inaugural virtual Pavilion.

Turn up the volume for a brand new local radio show – sort of. First launched in 2017, Singapore Community Radio returns with a brand new look and programmes that are curated and produced by an entirely new team. Spearheaded by creative director Darren Tan, the team aims to spotlight the diverse Singaporean voices on a shared platform, while capturing its ethos of championing music creative cultures in its programmes. Look forward to both live and pre-recorded content, ranging from podcasts and video interviews to live DJ sets, available to stream for free via Twitch and Mixcloud Live, as well as Facebook Live for selected shows.

See local literature reimagined in a digital space with the Esplanade's latest online series, Little Red Comma. Tap into your imagination and step into new worlds with six diverse literary works that are digitally adapted for a unique storytelling experience. Ranging from poetry to short fiction, these stories are penned by celebrated writers including Arthur Yap, Latha, Melissa De Silva, Mohamed Latiff Mohamed, Samuel Lee, and Yeng Pway Ngon. The stories are released on Esplanade Offstage evert fortnight on Friday until November 6.

The creepy gates of Halloween Horror Nights may be locked this year, but that doesn't mean there can't be Halloween Fun For Everyone at Universal Studios Singapore. Back by popular demand, Minion Monsters Tricky Treats takes centre stage once again with FrankenBob, Stuart Mummy, and Kevin Dracula in their attention-grabbing ensemble. Since it's Halloween, go on a trick-or-treat adventure around the park, complete with free candies, gummies, and chocolates. While you're at it, snap a selfie or two with characters from iconic movies such as Universal Monsters, Despicable Me, Madagascar, Shrek, Sesame Street, and more – all in their best Halloween costumes, no less.

Take the plunge into the Deep Boo Sea at S.E.A. Aquarium this Halloween season. Here, you'll come face-to-face – albeit through a glass – with some of nature's scariest-looking marine animals such as the Japanese warbonnet, and the wolf eel. There are also other activities such as a treasure photo hunt where you seek the lost pearls that are hidden within five habitats in the aquarium. For every riddle solved and pearl found, you stand a chance to win a mystery gift. As you dive deeper for the lost pearls, get 'entangled' in the tentacles of Kai the Kraken at the photo wall display and snap a photo for keeps.

Every year, Chinatown transforms into a brightly-lit spectacle to welcome the Mid-Autumn festivities. But this year, things are slightly different. While it continues to illuminate its giant street lanterns, its signature programmes – think performances, games and workshops – are moved online for the first time. Tune into its Facebook Live on September 17 for the light-up and opening ceremony, and delight in the dazzling lanterns from the comfort of your couch. Mark your calendar for other activities too including a lantern-painting workshop, an edutainment session, and an online escape room challenge.

Get a clearer picture of the city's relationship with public health with this online exhibition by the National Museum of Singapore. The showcase highlights the history of infectious diseases starting from the late 19th century, and the various measures that were put in place to tackle them. These are presented through 37 artefacts across four sections: The Distancing of Bodies, The Inoculation of Bodies, The Hygiene of Bodies and The Restoration of Bodies.

Under the banner SSOPlayOn!, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra's (SSO) digital season continues with more concerts to be streamed from the stage to the comfort of your sweet digs via Sistic Live. This month, delight in the chamber works of J. S. Bach, Paganini, Handel, Dvořák, and Kelly Tang in VCHpresents Intimate Moments with SSO first violinist Zhang Si Jing and friends (September 12 to 26). The SSO then returns to the Esplanade for a digital concert led by conductor Kahchun Wong (September 26 to October 10), featuring Debussy's Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun) and Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll.

To school you on the global plastic pollution crisis, ArtScience Museum is teaming up with National Geographic to showcase the museum's first exhibition since its post-circuit breaker re-opening. The exhibition sets out to raise awareness through more than 70 powerful photographs and videos as seen through the lenses of National Geographic photographers and explorers who have witnessed – and are still doing so – the devastating impact of plastic pollution on the natural world, especially in the oceans. Highlights include award-winning underwater photographer Jordi Chias' image of a loggerhead turtle ensnared in an old plastic fishing net.

Kickstart your mindfulness journey in the calm, leafy surrounds of Guoco Tower Urban Park. Starting on September 12, which also marks World Mindfulness Day, you can head down to The Big Sit, a monthly mindfulness meditation session to experience for yourself the purported benefits of the practice. For 45 to 60 minutes, let an experienced mindfulness meditation teacher guide you through slow, meditative movements before you sit to still the mind. Participation is completely free, and you can even join the livestream via Guoco Tower’s Facebook page if you prefer to find inner peace from the comfort of your home.

As part of the art initiative, Proposals for Novel Ways of Being, National Gallery Singapore introduces its latest visual feast: An Exercise of Meaning in a Glitch Season. The Gallery's space is decked by the immersive, mixed-media installations, sound and movement performances, and site-specific artistic interventions of 10 young Singapore-based artists including Kin Chui, Priyageetha Dia, Aki Hassan, Ila, and Norah Lea. These intriguing works aim to turn on the light bulb on new ways of thinking and doing, all for a more humane future.

Another art exhibition under the Proposals For Novel Ways of Being banner, this collaborative effort by Singapore Art Museum and National Gallery Singapore is conceived as a corridor of time that echoes the indeterminate passage of our days as we navigate the pandemic that is still raging on, as well as the detritus it leaves behind. A reference to the middle chapter in Virginia Woolf's novel To The Lighthouse, Time Passes features works that manifest acts of care-taking through the handling of different materials, and the commitment towards uncovering possibilities of living and relating even during tumultuous times.

Find out what lies between the material world of things and the immaterial world of effects, and delve deeper with thought-provoking moving-image works and audiovisual installations created by local artists Ila, Wayne Lim, Weixin Quek Chong, and Denise Yap. The exhibition takes viewers through the links between bodies and four domains including the shifting urban landscape, systems of control, post-human transformations, and alternative kinships – all in a bid to feed curious minds with new possibilities and ideas for the future, especially in a world that has been rocked by the pandemic.

The contemporary art den is gathering mavens from different aspects of the local arts scene, including visual arts, performing arts and literary arts, to bring the community together and foster inclusivity through talks, workshops and sharing sessions that explore the direction our society should be moving towards in the wake of this pandemic. Find your creativity with participating artists including Chu Hao Pei, Shaiful Risan, and Stephanie Chan.

The non-profit art space is showcasing five programmes that explore the infrastructures of care in these strange and difficult times. It kicks off with Strange Bodies from now until October 15, spotlighting artworks by local artist Yang Zhongda and Sabah native Jerome Kugan which shows chimeric figurations of the human body that crosses and unfixes the human/non-human divisions. Other highlights include a penpal programme with elderly and schoolchildren in Tiong Bahru and Bukit Merah, and a mutual assistance programme.

Delve into the human psyche with local multimedia artist project duo Paradise Now. Lining the walls of Sprmrkt at Dempsey Hill, 'archetypes' is the brainchild of Bryan Tan and Jay Ho, featuring eight minimalist artworks of abstract pattern and objects made from materials including silkscreen, instant film, oil, acrylic on canvas and a mouse cage. Together, they illustrate the pair's take on the birth of personalities, its influence over a person, and subsequently, the collective existence.

The art space transforms itself into a centre for mutual care through nine programmes that span gardening projects, research and learning platforms, gaming sessions, and more. The project features participating artists, including Luca Lum, Marcus Yee and Huiying Ng.

Originally scheduled to be staged in this year's SIFA, The Year of No Return presents the environmental crisis from the perspective of different individuals and discourses, from an advocate to the environmental scientist and the regular man on the street. While you wait for its premiere next year, you can enjoy teasers of the production through the lens of its various characters via a Zoom play-reading session and four vodcast episodes released on the 15th of each month from now until November. These vignettes are presented through digitalised film, sound, movement, and text that unpacks the themes and ideas within a key strand of the narrative. Together with the vodcast, it gives you a further look into the episodes within the play, including one featuring some of the actors stepping out of their characters to explore their own relationship with the environment.

For a kaleidoscopic virtual feast, immerse yourself in the participative online exhibition featuring the technicolour art of Singapore-born and Berlin-based artist Reza Hasni. Embark on a virtual, free-roaming journey through six illustrated worlds, set in the current time of expanding cyberspace. The exhibition also allows visitors to interact with each other while deepening understandings of the dynamic relationship between the online and offline world.

The new contemporary art initiative features ordinary sites in Singapore through the eyes of 100 local artists, in response to the ongoing pandemic. These works are published on a microsite that goes live on National Day. Alongside the artists' works and their personal stories, Our Heartlands also features geotags of 100 different locations in Singapore – from the former Zouk Building at Jiak Kim Street and the wet market at Chinatown Complex to Serangoon Green and Toa Payoh Library.

Part of the Walking in the City series, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) presents specially commissioned artworks on the hoardings currently installed around the perimeter of the museum buildings along Bras Basah Road and Queen Street. The second commission of the series is by Singaporean artist Heman Chong, who represented Singapore at the 50th Venice Biennale. Artist Heman Chong presents two exhibitions: titled Safe Entry and Writing While Walking And Other Stories. Safe Entry, presented on the hoarding along Bras Basah Road, is a cheeky take on the QR code which has become ubiquitous in Singapore recently. Writing While Walking And Other Stories, on the other hand, comprises 2,581 words written by artist Heman Chong and his iPhone 11 during an eight-hour walk around Singapore.

Calling all film buffs – there's a new streaming platform in town and you'd want to bookmark this. A digital extension of local independent cinema The Projector, The Projector Plus (also known as P+) is a spankin' new 'digital home' where the community can come together online for the alternative content the cinema is ultimately known for. Expect films that are a reflection of The Projector's curatorial approach to its physical cinema – think cult classics, indie flicks, and titles that might be challenging to get a theatrical release in Singapore. It's also the only cinema with an online platform to showcase films that are rated R21.

Celebrate being a true, blue Singaporean with 16 Viddsee short films, all available to binge-watch on meWatch. Presented by Mediacorp and Viddsee, the Scene City anthology is part of the Lights.Camera.Singapore initiative, which champions cultural cornerstones that contribute to the unique Singaporean identity. The Scene City anthology gives viewers a glimpse into the rich and layered narratives, landscapes, and vignettes of life in the city. Highlights include award-winning works such as Pa, and Light By Bedside. The short films are also aired on Channel 5 every Tuesday at 9.30pm, starting from July 28.

Shaw Theatres is bringing a slice of movie magic to your home with KinoLounge. But what sets the virtual cinema platform apart from its physical counterpart is its specially curated list of movies. Most of the titles are not screened in local cinemas and are only exclusively available on KinoLounge. Currently, it’s showing the squirm-inducing psychological thriller Swallow, and unconventional documentaries The Painter and the Thief, and Spaceship Earth.

Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) resumes activity on with its inaugural permanent exhibition which debuted in March this year. Explore what it means to be uniquely Chinese Singaporean through five specially curated interactive zones that spotlight elements that shaped the distinctive Chinese Singaporean identity – from food, language, and traditions to popular culture and music.

Beyond the centre, SCCC is also introducing a series of online offerings including the SCCC YouTube Channel where you can discover lesser-known stories behind the local customs and traditions, as well as relive the Centre's past programmes. The popular TGIF Music Station has since resumed with a refreshed digital format, live streaming performances by local artists every fortnight via SCCC's Facebook page. Over at the SCCC website, you can explore a modern reimagination of traditional Chinese myths and legends as Re-mix's popular Urban Art Exhibition goes online.

Ever wondered the lesser-known stories behind neighbourhoods such as Tanjong Pagar, Pasir Ris, and Kallang? Uncover 'em all as the digital edition of the Singapore Heritage Festival continues to be available online. Check out the online tours, digitally commissioned works, webinars, online masterclasses such as pastry and belachan-making, and more programmes that ooze nostalgia.

Calling all fans of Akira – get ready to be transported to an industrial complex set in 2020 Neo-Tokyo that is dedicated to the iconic 1988 post-apocalyptic cyberpunk anime. Curated by The Unusual Network and produced by Metamo Industries, the interactive online 3D art exhibition engages the senses with stunning visuals including 14 masterpieces by artists from Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines, and a specially designed soundscape that elevates the art-viewing experience.

Got #SmallBigDreamersAtHome? Let the little Picassos tap into their imagination with creative play including interactive games, guided art tutorials, and immersive art-viewing experiences at the first online art festival in Singapore. The programmes are designed to unleash their inner artist, all while learning about the inspiring artworks from Singapore and Southeast Asia, including those within the National Collection.

Get those creative juices flowing with UOB Art Explorer. Designed for art lovers of all ages even children, the online visual arts programme aims to introduce new worlds and perspectives through its five art initiatives – Art as Therapy, Art at Home, Art in Colours, Art Virtually and Art in Story.

Quench your thirst for culture online with the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Travel the region without leaving your house through a virtual exploration of ACM's collection of Asian antiquities and decorative arts masterpieces. Otherwise, try your hand at recreating Asian masterpieces with household items. Get the kids to join in the fun too with ACM's kid-friendly online resources, making learning extra fun.

To spice up the stay-home routine, the National Youth Council (NYC) has launched MehGoWhere, a youth-centric microsite to keep youths engaged while practising social distancing at home. The nifty site offers resources to keep 'em in the know, lighthearted content for a laugh, interesting activities for some brain work, and cool ideas like switching up the next food delivery. Even if it's the serious stuff you're particularly concerned about such as the current situation, mental health, career, and financial planning, the site is brimming with resources that might just answer all your burning questions. MehGoWhere also makes a great tool to connect with fellow youngsters, especially if social distancing is making you feel a tad lonely.

Gutted at the postponement of SIFA? To make up for it, SIFA presents its digital portal, better known as SIFA v2.020 where you can get all your art fix. Expect a line-up of engaging programmes and virtual events including talks led by theatre directors and artists, workshops you can take part at home, and special performances.

It's a blast to the past with Films Of Singapore Daily as the YouTube channel offers classic Malay films from the 1950s and 1960s, compiled by local film researcher Toh Hun Ping. It's not just clips either – you can watch monochromatic classics such as the Hang Jebat, Bujang Lapok, and Pontianak in full with English subtitles.  

In the spirit of doing good, National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and Blu3 Asia launched 15 Shorts for NVPC's one-stop giving platform Giving SG. As it says on the tin, 15 Shorts is a series of short films directed by prominent local filmmakers including Eric Khoo, Kelvin Tong, and Kirsten Tan, spotlighting the pressing issues in Singapore from animal welfare and youth mental health to sports leadership and heritage conservation. Taken on as a passion project for the directors, these films were created on a low-bono, non-profit basis, all in the spirit of building a City of Good. 15 Shorts is available to stream on cityofgood.sg/15shorts and MeWatch (from May 19).

Have you ever wondered the meaning of the inscriptions on the Singapore Stone, or the sayings of the Sejarah Melayu about the island's mythical beginnings? Go beyond the history books and delve deeper into Singapore's past with Roots' The Singapore Story Through 60 Objects. The online exhibition invites all curious minds to uncover the lesser-known stories behind the National Collection, spotlighting 60 artifacts in particular.

One for film enthusiasts in Singapore and the region, Objectifs Film Library is showcasing over 40 short films made by 14 Southeast Asian filmmakers that are available to rent and binge at home. Among the shorts are those by award-winning Singapore directors Boo Junfeng and Kirsten Tan, as well as regional filmmakers including Thailand's Pimpaka Towira, Cambodia's Davy Chou, and Vietnam's Nguyen Trinh Thi.

And that's not all – Objectifs is debuting its first film club event on April 30 at 9pm via Zoom, and it features Kirsten Tan and actress Oon Shu An. The two will be discussing the challenges of nailing their 2007 sex comedy, Come, which is set in Korea. Come is currently available to stream for free via Objectifs Film Library until April 30.

ArtScience at Home invites visitors of all ages to experience programmes from their snug space. The new initiative acts as a virtual version of the ArtScience Museum where its education activities such as guided exhibition tours and workshops, along with its flagship public programmes including ArtScience Late, Conversations and ArtScience on Screen are translated for the online space.

The National Museum of Singapore is taking its physical Bicentennial exhibition, An Old New World: From the East Indies to the Founding of Singapore, 1600s – 1819, off-ground and online with its digital version from April 15. The virtual exhibition transports you back in time to the bustling trading port of the East Indies that drew the attention of the Dutch and British East India Companies. Uncover the other factors at play leading up to the events of 1819 through this informative exhibition. There are two modes of navigation to choose from – guided and self-exploratory. The former invites you to explore featured artefacts and the surrounding showcases while listening to narrations by curators Daniel Tham and Iskander Mydin about Knowledge and Power and Seeing the Indigenous.

The show must go on – line. The exclusive online broadcasts of selected music performances at the centre are available to watch for free. These include other videos, stories, and podcasts on other arts too. Home audiences can cosy up for Haruka Nakamura Piano Ensemble and Aspidistrafly's first avant-garde joint showcase, Mandopop duo StellaVee's catchy pop tunes, Metropolitan Festival Orchestra and DJ KoFlow's genre-defying performance, and more.

The museum is currently closed for a major facelift and is expected to re-open in 2021. But that doesn't mean you can't take a peek at the what goes – or rather went – on the inside. Home to a wide variety of postage stamps, the museum also holds special themed exhibitions such as The Little Prince: Behind the Story, Shaking It With Shakespeare, and The League Against Evil: A DC Super Heroes Exhibition. And now, you can explore these exhibitions in your slippers at the comfort of your home. Take a virtual tour around the museum and marvel at the cool collections of stamps, artworks, and other paraphernalia by zooming in.

National Gallery Singapore has just launched an online platform for art lovers amidst the 'circuit breaker'. Called #GalleryAnywhere, it is the Gallery's one-stop access to an array of rich digital and virtual experiences to keep art lovers engaged and entertained with art. The portal offers five distinct segments: Browse, Watch, Listen, Play, Explore – each replicating the different experiences you'd get at the Gallery.  #GalleryAnywhere also features content that allows audiences to connect better with artworks they see in the Gallery. Join artist Chua Soo Bin as he tells you first hand the stories behind three of his photographs in the Truths & Legends exhibition, or listen to musician JJ Lin talk about his masterpiece, Journey of a Yellow Man.

Some of the zoos around the world have adapted to the situation by allowing the public to 'visit' the zoo via webcams and live-streaming. If you're wondering how our local wildlife are doing, explore Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve through its Animal Cams. The three cameras focus on the view from the main bridge, the biggest bird hide in the reserve and the pond. If you're lucky, you might even see otters frolicking by the water, migratory birds feeding or even freshwater crocodiles making its way down the river.