Singapore Writers’ Festival
1-10 November
Civic District
www.singaporewritersfestival.com
Organised by the National Arts Council, the 22nd edition of the annual event returns this year with the theme “A Language of Our Own”, which examines the role of languages in the formation of identities and communities in a globalised yet fractured world. An exciting line-up of events will feature a host of literary heavyweights such as Min Jin Lee, Pico Iyer and Marlon James.
Singapore Biennale 2019
22 November – 22 March
National Gallery Singapore & Gillman Barracks
www.singaporebiennale.org
A highlight on Singapore’s cultural calendar, the Singapore Biennale is known for its thought-provoking art and meaningful exchange of ideas. Organised by the Singapore Art Museum, the sixth edition will be held to the theme of “Every Step in the Right Direction”, which will look at the human condition and human endeavour for change and betterment in view of the rapidly changing social and political climate around the world. Over 70 local and international artists will participate in the event, including Busui Ajaw (Thailand), Raymundo Albano (the Philippines), Kray Chen (Singapore), Amanda Heng (Singapore) and Ryuichi Sakamoto (Japan).
Giving Week
1-7 December
Islandwide
www.givingweek.sg
The holiday season is also known as the season of giving, and nothing exemplifies this better than Giving Week, which aims to encourage business, communities and people to celebrate the spirit of giving. In the 2018 edition, over 240 non-profits and corporates raised $12.2 million during the season. This year, the organisers up their game with several new key initiatives, which include The Good Life, in which lifestyle, retail and food and beverage brands incorporate a giving element to their product and services to support various charities and causes; and The Good Hubs, an inclusive space created to make giving fun.
SSO Christmas Concert
12-13 December
The Esplanade
www.sso.org.sg
There’s no better way to soak up the Christmas mood than at the Singapore Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert. Led by Associate Conductor Joshua Tan, it will feature classic Yuletide tunes, complete with the carol singalong. Popular favourites include Pas De Deux from The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky, Troïka by Prokofiev, Christmas Concerto by Corelli, and Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah by Handel.
