NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE OPENING

What to do: Launch festivities

1. Siapa Nama Kamu? or What Is Your Name? (DBS Singapore Gallery) and Between Declarations And Dreams (UOB Southeast Asia Gallery)) PHOTOS: ST FILE
7. In The Name Of Red PHOTO: ST FILE

National Gallery Singapore's opening celebrations start today and run till Dec 6. Admission for most events is free, although registration is required for some. Life picks some highlights.

1. Siapa Nama Kamu? or What Is Your Name? (DBS Singapore Gallery) and Between Declarations And Dreams (UOB Southeast Asia Gallery)

The two exhibitions provide a sweeping look at Singapore and South-east Asian art from the 19th century to the present.

About 800 artworks are on show.

When: From tomorrow, 10am to 7pm (Monday to Thursday, Sunday and public holiday); 10am to 10pm (Friday, Saturday and eve of public holiday)

  • VIEW IT / NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

  • WHERE: 1 St Andrew's Road

    WHEN: 10am to 7pm (Sunday to Thursday and public holiday); 10am to 10pm (Friday, Saturday and eve of public holiday). Museum opening hours during opening celebrations: 10am to 7pm (Monday to Thursday), 10am to 11pm (Friday to Sunday)

    ADMISSION: Today to Dec 6, free; from Dec 7, free for Singaporeans, permanent residents and children (six years and under) to permanent galleries; $20 for non-Singaporeans; $15 for concession holders. Admission closes 30 minutes before closing time

    INFO: Call 6271-7000, e-mail info@nationalgallery.sg or go to www.nationalgallery.sg . Tickets for the galleries and Keppel Centre for Art Education can be obtained online (tickets.nationalgallery.sg) or from the gallery's ticketing counters at Basement 1

2. Art Forum 1: The Exceptional And The Exemplary. Stories

From National Gallery Singapore's Permanent Exhibitions Of South-east Asian And Singapore Art A panel comprising the gallery's curators, artists and researchers will discuss five key artworks from the two permanent exhibitions.

Where: City Hall Wing, B1, Auditorium

When: Nov 24, 2 to 4.30pm

3. Share The Hope

This outdoor audio-visual production draws inspiration from the art within the Gallery. For three nights, there will be stunning light and sound displays against the backdrop of the Gallery building.

Where: Gallery building facade

When: Friday to Sunday, 8, 9 and 10pm. Each session lasts 10 minutes

4. National Language Class by spell #7

Inspired by Chua Mia Tee's artwork National Language Class, this is a participatory performance for groups of up to eight people at a time.

The iconic painting by the Cultural Medallion recipient was painted in 1959, the year

Singapore gained self-governance from the British. It depicts a night class of Chinese men and women learning Malay in a Singapore classroom.

It was painted at a time when Singapore was preparing to merge with Malaya and nationalistic feelings were running high.

Guided by actors, the audience will recreate the painting by taking part in a Malay-language lesson.

Where: City Hall Wing, Level 2, Singapore courtyard

When: Friday to Sunday, Dec 4 to 6; 11am and 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9pm; Nov 30 to Dec 3, 11am and 1, 3 and 5pm. Each session lasts 30 minutesAdmission: Free. Each session can take a maximum of eight people. Book tickets at www.national gallery.sg/visit/tickets

5. Resonates With

Curated by multi-disciplinary Singapore artist Bani Haykal, these performances feature cross-genre musical collaborations between ensembles and musicians. Immerse in a unique soundscape inspired by pioneer artists such as Liu Kang and Chen Wen Hsi.

Where: Padang Atrium

When: Friday to Sunday, Dec 4 to 6, 7.30, 8.30 and 9.30pm. Each session lasts 20 minutes

6. Family Fun At The Padang Art Carnival

Experience the rich heritage of Singapore and South-east Asian art, with art installations and community art workshops.

Where: The Padang

When: Friday to Sunday, 5pm to midnight

7. In The Name Of Red

This dance performance pays homage to hues of red found within the Gallery's art collection. By The Arts Fission Company.

Where: Padang Atrium

When: Dec 4 to 6, 9pm. Each performance lasts 10 minutes

8. Panel Discussion

Hear stories of the construction of the project from the architects.

Where: City Hall Wing, B1, Auditorium

When: Dec 6, 2 to 4.30pm

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 24, 2015, with the headline What to do: Launch festivities. Subscribe