Artbox returns with bigger venue in Kranji

The 200,000 sq ft venue at the Singapore Turf Club is one-third larger than last year's Artbox event.
The 200,000 sq ft venue at the Singapore Turf Club is one-third larger than last year's Artbox event. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG

Popular outdoor market Artbox Singapore has returned for its third edition, with light projections and a much larger venue this time.

The event, an offshoot of Artbox in Bangkok, was launched yesterday at the Singapore Turf Club in Kranji. It will be held over two consecutive weekends, starting yesterday. At 200,000 sq ft, Artbox Singapore's new event space is about a third larger than the one at Bayfront last year, which was around 140,000 sq ft.

The event's organiser Kent Teo, 34, told The Straits Times: "After receiving feedback about space constraints, we hope to comfortably accommodate a larger crowd by having a bigger venue and wider walkways between booths."

He is expecting more than half a million visitors to Artbox 2019, which has more than 300 retailers, food stalls, craft workshops and entertainment acts.

Visitors can see an idyllic garden projected onto four 12m-tall shipping containers, in a showcase of the event's theme of Eden this year.

The art display by local creative company Ionix.Lab is the attraction that Mr Teo is most excited for the public to see.

Another new attraction this year is the Garden of Creation, where visitors can sign up for workshops to print 3D jewellery or create their own perfumes. They can also learn how to add colourful prints to used horseshoes from Singapore Turf Club. Each horseshoe costs $20, with all proceeds going to the Singapore Children's Society.

Visitors can browse through vintage clothing and streetwear at stalls like Moonset, a Thailand-based brand which sells bags made from canvas and tarpaulin.

There will also be performances by local bands such as HubbaBubbas as well as bands from Thailand such as Jeans & Her Friends.

"Artbox is a platform for creative retailers and artists to showcase their work in an innovative way," said Mr Teo, who is also the founder of event management company Invade Industry and has run some of Singapore's largest flea markets.

"We hope this year's event will be like a paradise for families and friends to come together, appreciate art, and soak in the festivities."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 16, 2019, with the headline Artbox returns with bigger venue in Kranji. Subscribe