It seems like everything is taking place online nowadays, from webinars to virtual tours, we are getting by in an ever-increasing digital savvy world necessitated by one of the worst crises humanity has faced in recent memory.
The current pandemic situation has prompted the National Heritage Board to pivot when it comes to 2020’s edition of the Singapore Heritage Festival, ushering in the inaugural launch of a digital edition of the festival.
Singapore Heritage Festival 2020: Digital Edition!
Happening from 19 June to 5 July 2020, Singapore Heritage Festival 2020 will look at lesser-known narratives and stories of Singapore’s heritage.
Front and center would be the story of one of Singapore’s first modernist buildings in the heart of Tanjong Pagar. More commonly known perhaps as the building on 5 Kadayanallur Street, its rather nondescript appearance hides a wealth of history and knowledge.
Opened in 1923 by Lady Guillemard, wife of the Governor of the Straits Settlement, the building served as the former St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital for Women and Children.
One of the first Modernist style buildings in Singapore, the wedge-shaped structure has an airwell and houses one of Singapore’s oldest lifts.
The Singapore Heritage Festival will also explore the district’s rich rickshaw history, a nod to the historic Jinrikisha Station which was the terminal for rickshaws in the early 20th century.
We will also get a glimpse into why Pasir Ris is known for its chalets and resorts as Singaporeans share their stories of taking grand resort vacations while the Police Coast Guard will regale their adventures in the Kallang Basin.
We will be learning about the histories above through various mediums – online tours, digitally commissioned works, webinars, online masterclasses – as we look to uncover more about Singapore.
There are also interactive workshops such as pastry-making and belachan-pounding that you can tune into presented by the National Heritage Board’s community partners.
National Heritage Board Takes #SGCultureAnywhere
While we are still about 2 weeks away from the start of the festival, there’s a series of online historical and heritage content readily available now for you.
From heritage spaces which you can explore virtually to a huge database of photos and artworks which carry a glimpse of our colourful past, it’s certainly one way to get your heritage fix from the comforts of your own home.
