Arts House Limited (AHL) is pleased to announce the launch of its brand-new outdoor mass-sketching event Sketch Up, taking place in the Civic District on Saturday, 26 October 2024, from 8.00 am to 12.30 pm. Organised in its capacity as place manager of the Civic District, Arts House Limited has partnered Art Apart Fair to present this memorable artistic experience, inviting all arts enthusiasts to immerse themselves in Singapore’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, right in the heart of the Civic District. 

As part of the Arts in the Civic District initiative to enliven the arts and cultural precinct, Sketch Up 2024 highlights the Civic District, a vibrant arts and culture precinct and home to Singapore’s iconic national monuments, museums and arts venues. This inaugural event will occur rain or shine at the picturesque Empress Lawn in front of Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall. Participants are invited to sketch the intricate neoclassical façade of the Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall, including its distinctive Clock Tower crown, inspired by Queen Victoria’s crown. This experience is designed to deepen appreciation for the architectural and cultural significance of this iconic landmark.

Sharon Tan, Executive Director of Arts House Limited said, “We are excited for people of diverse ages and backgrounds to gather and rediscover the lively arts and culture precinct anew through a shared love of sketching. Our goal is to inspire and enrich lives through the arts, and we are proud to launch Sketch Up at Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall. This event marks the first large-scale mass sketching activity at this national monument and sets the stage for future editions. By showcasing the Civic District as a vibrant arts and culture destination, we aim to enhance its role as a central hub for creativity and cultural engagement in Singapore.”

Regardless of skill level, participants of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to be part of the creative fun. AHL is thrilled to be joined by respected urban landscape painter Chankerk Teh, known throughout the region for his distinctive artistic style incorporating dynamic and bold brush strokes to capture the ever-evolving landscape of urbanisation. Also joining the event are artists from Urban Sketchers Singapore, a local community of artists passionate about showing the beauty of Singapore through on-location sketching. With over 400 attendees (and counting!) expected, the first edition of Sketch Up promises to be an event to remember. 

The momentous event will have a lasting digital presence, as participants will be encouraged to submit their masterpieces to be displayed as part of a digital showcase on the Civic District website. After the event, viewers can appreciate the various artistic interpretations of the Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall on the Civic District website and vote for their favourite pieces. The artist with the highest number of votes will receive a Huion Kamvas 13 Drawing Pad Tablet and Pen Display (valued at $239), plus a Brasserie Astoria dining voucher (valued at $100). Two lucky voters will also stand to win a Brasserie Astoria dining voucher (valued at $100) each.

Registered participants in attendance on the event day will receive an exclusive goodie bag worth $20, containing exclusive merchandise such as an AHL tote bag, a bucket hat, a Sparky the Civic District guide hand fan, an Art Friend voucher, and drinks courtesy of POKKA. Attendees should bring their personal sketching materials and tools, including digital tools if preferred. Colouring sheets and pencils will be provided for children aged 4 to 12.