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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Invade) |
Following the announcement of its return after a three year-hiatus due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore’s largest lifestyle event ARTBOX recently unveiled its lineup of multifaceted activities that ignite the imagination, creativity, and hyperlocal entertainment experiences. ARTBOX returns with more than 20 of its signature colorful containers measuring 20 feet and 40 feet that recall its Thai origins while offering a uniquely Singaporean twist. Right in the heart of the exhibition hall sits the 3-level high Hero Structure, comprising octagon-shaped containers stacked vertically with projection mapping by visual artist Aundraj Jude (@ASSTHROWKNOT) and motion designer Reynard Adrianto (@reygular). ARTBOX is also collaborating with JELILO artist Lester Lim (@lesdoublewood) and tokidoki (@tokidokibrand), as their vibrant and visionary art installations, tell a tale of hope, courage, and inner strength. Repurposed across the 9,822 square meter space, these creative elements bring out a refined night market experience that is backed with the hallmark of the signature Artbox aesthetic.
Non-Stop, Fun-Filled Activities
True to this year’s theme of Vision, ARTBOX implores visitors to discover what the future holds at Fortune Town. The journey begins through the Fortune Tunnel where one will find themselves reaching the enigmatic Fortune Town, filled with hands-on workshops and activities to appeal to the adventurous and fortune-seeking. There will be booths that offer aura reading, henna, and Jagua body art, and visitors can even purchase crystals to take home. No event is complete without music and ARTBOX has invited popular artists from Cross Ratio Entertainment such as Tay Kewei (@keweitay), Derrick Hoh (@derrickhoh), Alfred Sim (@zolalfredo), Akeem Jahat (@akeem_jahat) and Calvert Tay (@calverttay) to perform songs on the main stage that will leave everyone grooving to the beats. Additionally, singing sensation Zin from The Voice Thailand (Season 8) will also be jamming on the ARTBOX stage this year.
Musing over this year’s line-up of events, Invade’s Chief Executive Officer Kent Teo shares that ARTBOX VISION 2023 is akin to a box full of surprises. “We are pulling out all the stops for this year’s edition of ARTBOX with various collaborations, art installations, activities, retail and F&B experiences that will get everyone excited and entertained. We hope that experiences by both vendors and visitors at ARTBOX VISION 2023 will make up for the number of years when we could not organise the event due to the global pandemic," Teo notes. SGAG, one of Singapore’s top comedy content producers, is co-organising with Invade for this year’s ARTBOX to deliver a slew of challenges and activities that will leave all in laughter – maybe even some in tears. Taking place on the SGAG event stage at ARTBOX, the Beam of Pain is one such challenge that will test participants’ pain thresholds and determination. An agonising test of strength, the Beam of Pain is a mini obstacle course featuring a 15-metre balancing beam lined with acupuncture mats. Completing this would be a daunting and impossible task for most, but the $888 cash reward lies in wait for the fastest and bravest challenger who conquers the Beam of Pain. “I have high hopes that the Beam of Pain is going to be difficult to the point that no one will be able to complete it. If that is the case, then I will keep the $888 prize for myself," SGAG Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer Adrian Ang (Xiao Ming) said cheekily.
A Retail Therapy And Gastronomic Experience Like No Other
With close to 300 booths, visitors will be treated to vendors that are both new and familiar from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan. With Chang Beer as the official lager beer partner, patrons can quench their thirst with Chang’s unique brew, unwind and enjoy the contemporary Thai art forms by street artist Rukkit Kuanhawate. On-demand delivery platform foodpanda is also one of ARTBOX’s key partners. Visitors looking to indulge in the plethora of food offerings will be able to relax and eat to their hearts’ content at foodpanda’s pink outdoor-sheltered dining zone. Furthermore, visitors stand a chance to win foodpanda prizes by heading over to Fortune Town and spin the Wheel of Fortune.
For foodies, ARTBOX will offer delectable treats ranging from the sweet to savoury, with vendors cooking up local and regional delicacies that will appeal to the Singaporean palette. Meanwhile, shopaholics will be treated to a variety of fashion, fragrances, jewellery, homewares and artisan crafts. Patrons can also purchase exclusive JELILO and tokidoki merchandise at ARTBOX arising from the event’s collaboration with these brands. These elements combined offer an all-in-one event experience that is sure to leave visitors with their hearts and bellies full.
To be held for the first time in the air-conditioned comfort of Singapore Expo Hall 6, ARTBOX will happen on February 24-26 and March 3-5, from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm. General single-admission tickets are from SGD 5 on weekdays and SGD 6 on weekends per person, Visitors looking at attending all six days can opt for a Season Pass at $33 per person with priority entry. Groups of five are able to bulk purchase general entry tickets from $23, exclusive of booking fees. Every ticket will be automatically enrolled into a raffle draw where visitors will stand a chance to win the grand prize of a pair of tickets to Thailand.
