My introduction to Singapore Literature, or Sing Lit, happened in school. I read books by Catherine Lim, watched plays written by Kuo Pao Kun and even attended a poetry workshop by Stella Kon. Today, Singapore’s literary arts scene continues to grow, with its diversity showcased by various Singapore arts events.
One of these is VERSE, an annual literary event that celebrates Sing Lit. This year’s edition runs from 17 January to 2 February at The Arts House at the Old Parliament.
About the VERSE literary arts event
VERSE is the opening chapter of Arts House Limited’s year-long literary arts programmes. It runs at The Arts House. If you haven’t stepped into the building before, this is a good reason to!
Spaces within The Arts House will host multi-sensory experiences such as hands-on activities, interactive installations and dynamic exhibitions.
At VERSE, visitors will experience words and stories coming to life within the historic building.
The best way to experience Singapore Literature
With so many programmes, how should someone begin their experience of VERSE? Here, Muhammad Khairulnizam Hamid, Senior Manager of Venue Programming at Arts House Limited, gives us some tips on the best way to experience this literary arts event.
I’m new to Singapore Literature. Which programme should I start with?
My personal gateway recommendation would be Read on the Go, a curated selection of bite-sized, thought-provoking pieces of Singapore Literature that are diverse in style and rich in cultural insight.
The selection offers a beginner reading list for the year, making it your go-to introduction to Sing Lit. Read the synopses on the walls and see if the books vibe with you. All the titles are accessible for free through QR codes and the National Library Board mobile application.
The collection is presented in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for a wider audience.
From there, I’d encourage you to visit The Big Blackout, Singapore’s largest blackout poetry installation. Excerpts from old local newspapers are used to express the idea of finding meaning and creativity in unfamiliar contexts. They provide a unique way to connect with Singapore’s past and reimagine its stories.
This programme can be particularly meaningful for anyone new to Singapore. It offers a lens into the nation’s history while inviting you to create something new through an engaging, hands-on experience.
Then there is Sing Lit Cloud Digital Poetry, a fusion of creativity, technology and the written word. In response to your input, the Sing Lit Cloud Machine generates a piece of Singaporean Literature.
Finally, Karaoke Poetry: A Collective Reading offers a playful, auditory literary arts experience. It blends Singapore’s Chinese literary works with digital interactions. It’s like karaoke but for the soul – fun, dynamic and a fresh take on literature.
What are the highlights for this year’s VERSE literary arts event?
The festival’s highlights are all about creating diverse, multisensory experiences with words and language.
If I had to choose one ‘glow-light’ – pun intended – it would be A Little Bead of Work. This installation is an invitation to play, experiment and literally ‘light up’ your own creativity through glow-in-the-dark alphabet beads.
Another standout is Now You See Us?, which transforms the familiar into something extraordinary.
Anything for families from among these Singapore art events?
Explore The Cultural Medallion Literary Pursuit, an engaging hunt that features works by over 30 Cultural Medallion recipients who have shaped the landscape of Singapore Literature. With both adult and children’s versions available, the pursuit offers a tailored experience for different age groups.
It’s a fun, interactive way to discover Singapore’s literary heritage. At the same time, you can deepen your appreciation of its award-winning talents, which include playwrights, writers and poets.
Another family experience of Singapore Literature awaits at See Me Again: Pre-Loved Books Corner. Stories that were once cherished wait to be rediscovered and find new life by fresh eyes and connect generations of readers. The curated collection, generously donated through National Library Board, includes junior picture books to fiction and non-fiction titles.
Taking Sing Lit to the streets
VERSE is held in conjunction with the Light to Night Festival and Singapore Art Week. Elements of Singapore Literature will be weaved into programmes of these two Singapore arts events.
For example, Words is an artwork by Song-Ming Ang that combines text, visuals and sound. Viewers will see how abstraction can be used as a means of manifesting emotion by reflecting daily concerns. The projection runs at 15-minute intervals on the facade of the Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall.
Another interactive programme is Story Walk, brought back for 2025 after its successful introduction in 2023. This outdoor storytelling experience integrates Benchmarks, the public art bench installations in the Civic District. Participants will be able to explore the precinct as literary arts, history and folklore come together.
Come experience Singapore’s literary arts
Head to The Arts House at The Old Parliament from 17 January to 2 February for VERSE. All the programmes are free while Story Walk has a fee of $15 per person. Check the event’s website for detailed programme information, dates and times.
The Arts House at Old Parliament
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