Crossing Cultures: BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

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Explore the bold and beautiful art and cultural contributions by women! Discover traditional practices of the past and meet today’s inspiring practitioners in various creative industries. Everyone is welcome to celebrate women in these dynamic fields! 

Free admission to special exhibition Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas and permanent galleries for the first 150 visitors each day during programme hours. Explore the bold and beautiful collections on display! 

 

Enjoy a complimentary can of Edelweiss and win merchandise! While supplies last. #Edelweiss #FeelTheAlps

2–3 March 2024, 4 to 9pm
5 mins walk from Raffles Place MRT Station (Exit H), More Info
Free admission to most programmes
2–3 March 2024, 4 to 9pm
5 mins walk from Raffles Place MRT Station (Exit H), More Info
Free admission to most programmes

Explore the bold and beautiful art and cultural contributions by women! Discover traditional practices of the past and meet today’s inspiring practitioners in various creative industries. Everyone is welcome to celebrate women in these dynamic fields! 

Free admission to special exhibition Manila Galleon: From Asia to the Americas and permanent galleries for the first 150 visitors each day during programme hours. Explore the bold and beautiful collections on display! 

 

Enjoy a complimentary can of Edelweiss and win merchandise! While supplies last. #Edelweiss #FeelTheAlps

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES

The museum comes alive with music and movement. Pack a picnic and enjoy captivating women-led performances at the ACM Green.

Purappadu: A Female-led Kathakali Performance by Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, 

2 March, 6pm, 8pm

ACM Green, Free Admission 

 

Experience a unique interpretation of Kathakali as female dancers from Bhaskar’s Arts Academy defy tradition with a captivating performance titled ‘Purappadu’. Marvel at the elaborate makeup and costumes associated with Kathakali performances. Kathakali is traditionally performed by men, including the female roles, so don’t miss this chance to witness this groundbreaking performance by Bhaskar’s Arts Academy’s female dancers!

 

Behind-the-Scenes with Bhaskar’s Arts Academy,
2 March, 4.30
5.30pm

River Room, Level 2, Free Admission 

 

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes session where you’ll get a glimpse of the elaborate makeup and costume preparation process for Kathakali performances! 

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Purappadu: A Female-led Kathakali Performance by Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, 

2 March, 6pm, 8pm

ACM Green, Free Admission 

 

Experience a unique interpretation of Kathakali as female dancers from Bhaskar’s Arts Academy defy tradition with a captivating performance titled ‘Purappadu’. Marvel at the elaborate makeup and costumes associated with Kathakali performances. Kathakali is traditionally performed by men, including the female roles, so don’t miss this chance to witness this groundbreaking performance by Bhaskar’s Arts Academy’s female dancers!

 

Behind-the-Scenes with Bhaskar’s Arts Academy,
2 March, 4.30
5.30pm

River Room, Level 2, Free Admission 

 

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes session where you’ll get a glimpse of the elaborate makeup and costume preparation process for Kathakali performances! 

Stree – The Divine Feminine by Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, 
3 March, 6pm, 8pm

ACM Green 

Embark on a journey through the various forms of feminine energy with “Stree – The Divine Feminine”, presented by four talented dancers from Bhaskar’s Art Academy and explore the diverse expressions of the divine feminine. 

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Stree – The Divine Feminine by Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, 
3 March, 6pm, 8pm

ACM Green 

Embark on a journey through the various forms of feminine energy with “Stree – The Divine Feminine”, presented by four talented dancers from Bhaskar’s Art Academy and explore the diverse expressions of the divine feminine. 

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Gendong (Cradle) by Hasyimah Harith (P7:1SMA)

Sat and Sun, 2–3 March 
6:30pm, 8:30pm 

ACM Green, Free Admission

 

Celebrating diverse representations and definitions of beauty, this performance spotlights the often-overlooked collaborative essence between mothers and their child in traditional Malay dance.

 

In the cultural tradition of gendong, caregivers cradle infants or toddlers on their back or hip using an intricately decorated carrier cloth like hawatbenning, or ba'. They are adorned with beaded panels featuring protective symbols and magical elements believed to ward off evil in the Dayak communities.

Through this, the artists seek to establish their own guidelines for dance practice, reclaiming and honouring personal cultural traditions in the process.

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Gendong (Cradle) by Hasyimah Harith (P7:1SMA)

Sat and Sun, 2–3 March 
6:30pm, 8:30pm 

ACM Green, Free Admission

 

Celebrating diverse representations and definitions of beauty, this performance spotlights the often-overlooked collaborative essence between mothers and their child in traditional Malay dance.

 

In the cultural tradition of gendong, caregivers cradle infants or toddlers on their back or hip using an intricately decorated carrier cloth like hawatbenning, or ba'. They are adorned with beaded panels featuring protective symbols and magical elements believed to ward off evil in the Dayak communities.

Through this, the artists seek to establish their own guidelines for dance practice, reclaiming and honouring personal cultural traditions in the process.

Women Police Pipes & Drums (WPPD), from Singapore Police Force

Sun, 3 March 
5.30pm, 7.30pm 

ACM Green, Free Admission


Join us for a rousing performance by the Women Police Pipes and Drums (WPPD) from the Singapore Police Force! These full-time police officers will showcase their musical prowess in an outdoor performance at ACM. 

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Women Police Pipes & Drums (WPPD), from Singapore Police Force

Sun, 3 March 
5.30pm, 7.30pm 

ACM Green, Free Admission


Join us for a rousing performance by the Women Police Pipes and Drums (WPPD) from the Singapore Police Force! These full-time police officers will showcase their musical prowess in an outdoor performance at ACM. 

TALKS & WORKSHOPS

Meet inspiring women who are paving the way in various industries today.

Panel Discussion: Cult of Beauty

Moderated by Mary Victor, The Body Within

Sat, 2 March, 4.30pm

Ngee Ann Auditorium, B1

Free Admission 

Join an uplifting panel discussion that will examinethe ever-changing standards of women’s bodies, beauty, and fashion, along with its challenges and how we can manage these evolving expectations. Stand a chance to receive free Kansoskin sample kits for the first 50 participants. While supplies last.

 

Moderator: 
Mary Victor, Founder of The Body Within 

 

Participating Panellists:

Hasyimah Harith, Malay Dance Practitioner, P7:1SMA,

Cheryl Tay, Founder of Rock the Naked Truth,

Joanne Ang, Co-founder of Kansoskin

 

MORE DETAILS

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Panel Discussion: Cult of Beauty

Moderated by Mary Victor, The Body Within

Sat, 2 March, 4.30pm

Ngee Ann Auditorium, B1

Free Admission 

Join an uplifting panel discussion that will examinethe ever-changing standards of women’s bodies, beauty, and fashion, along with its challenges and how we can manage these evolving expectations. Stand a chance to receive free Kansoskin sample kits for the first 50 participants. While supplies last.

 

Moderator: 
Mary Victor, Founder of The Body Within 

 

Participating Panellists:

Hasyimah Harith, Malay Dance Practitioner, P7:1SMA,

Cheryl Tay, Founder of Rock the Naked Truth,

Joanne Ang, Co-founder of Kansoskin

 

MORE DETAILS

Panel Discussion: Powerhouses: Women for the Arts

Sun, 3 March, 4.30pm

Ngee Ann Auditorium, B1
Free Admission

 

Join us for a discussion with leading female art professionals as they explore the triumphs, challenges, and current landscape of women in the art world. Our panellists will delve into topics such as navigating obstacles, identifying opportunities for advancement, and fostering support for other women within the arts community.

Moderator: 

Nor Wang, Head of Development & Partnerships for Asian Civilisations Museum and the Peranakan Museum

 

Participating Panellists:
May Leong, Founder and Director of Hyphen,
Mok Cui Yin, Independent Producer,
Tanya Wilson, Co-founder of Eyeyah, The Unusual Network

 

MORE DETAILS

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Panel Discussion: Powerhouses: Women for the Arts

Sun, 3 March, 4.30pm

Ngee Ann Auditorium, B1
Free Admission

 

Join us for a discussion with leading female art professionals as they explore the triumphs, challenges, and current landscape of women in the art world. Our panellists will delve into topics such as navigating obstacles, identifying opportunities for advancement, and fostering support for other women within the arts community.

Moderator: 

Nor Wang, Head of Development & Partnerships for Asian Civilisations Museum and the Peranakan Museum

 

Participating Panellists:
May Leong, Founder and Director of Hyphen,
Mok Cui Yin, Independent Producer,
Tanya Wilson, Co-founder of Eyeyah, The Unusual Network

 

MORE DETAILS

Women in Music: Introductory DJ Workshop for Women with Jean Reiki

Sat, 2 March, 5.30–7.30pm

Discovery Room, B1

$12/participant; register on Peatix 

 

Learn to make bold beats in this electronic music workshop! Discover the beauty of diversity and celebrate the boldness of women in music. Participants will explore the art of blending various music genres and cultures using DJ controllers, empowering them to express themselves through music.

 

Register here

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Women in Music: Introductory DJ Workshop for Women with Jean Reiki

Sat, 2 March, 5.30–7.30pm

Discovery Room, B1

$12/participant; register on Peatix 

 

Learn to make bold beats in this electronic music workshop! Discover the beauty of diversity and celebrate the boldness of women in music. Participants will explore the art of blending various music genres and cultures using DJ controllers, empowering them to express themselves through music.

 

Register here

Reading and Writing the Female Body with Pooja Nansi

Sun, 3 March, 4–5.30pm

Discovery Room, B1

$12/participant; register on Peatix 

Join renowned author Pooja Nansi in this reading and writing workshop and dive into literary and visual texts that speak of and to the female body, exploring issues of positionality, embodiment and lived experience. 

 

Note: This workshop is limited to females and female-identifying individuals. Participants are encouraged to bring their own experiences to the workshop, where they will produce a short piece reflecting on their personal relationships with their bodies.

 

Register here

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Reading and Writing the Female Body with Pooja Nansi

Sun, 3 March, 4–5.30pm

Discovery Room, B1

$12/participant; register on Peatix 

Join renowned author Pooja Nansi in this reading and writing workshop and dive into literary and visual texts that speak of and to the female body, exploring issues of positionality, embodiment and lived experience. 

 

Note: This workshop is limited to females and female-identifying individuals. Participants are encouraged to bring their own experiences to the workshop, where they will produce a short piece reflecting on their personal relationships with their bodies.

 

Register here

Drop-in Activities & Experiences

Drop in for free activities – from hands-on craft, insightful conversations, and moments of contemplation.  

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"Imagine Ocean": Dance-Film Screening by The Arts Fission Company

Sat and Sun, 2–3 March, 6.30pm, 8pm 

Ngee Ann Auditorium, B1 

Free Admission

Approximate duration: 20mins, Rated G

 

Filmed in Japan, two cinematic personas emerge onscreen: the iconic woman diver, a Japanese Ama, and the Ise-Shima coastlines’ ubiquitous ocean waves. This short dance-film highlights the vulnerable traditional livelihood of the Ama divers, now highly at-risk due to the changing ocean ecosystem.

Catch the local and world premiere of Imagine Ocean, presented by The Arts Fission Company. 

The Arts Fission Company:

Film Director Liao Jiekai, Choreographer Angela Liong, and Composer Joyce Beetuan Koh.


Local and World Premiere with Artist Sharing
Sat, 2 March, 6.30pm
Ngee Ann Auditorium, B1
Free Admission; Limited spaces

The premiere screening is scheduled on Sat, 2 March at 6.30pm. Following the screening, there will be an artist-led sharing session.   

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"Imagine Ocean": Dance-Film Screening by The Arts Fission Company

Sat and Sun, 2–3 March, 6.30pm, 8pm 

Ngee Ann Auditorium, B1 

Free Admission

Approximate duration: 20mins, Rated G

 

Filmed in Japan, two cinematic personas emerge onscreen: the iconic woman diver, a Japanese Ama, and the Ise-Shima coastlines’ ubiquitous ocean waves. This short dance-film highlights the vulnerable traditional livelihood of the Ama divers, now highly at-risk due to the changing ocean ecosystem.

Catch the local and world premiere of Imagine Ocean, presented by The Arts Fission Company. 

The Arts Fission Company:

Film Director Liao Jiekai, Choreographer Angela Liong, and Composer Joyce Beetuan Koh.


Local and World Premiere with Artist Sharing
Sat, 2 March, 6.30pm
Ngee Ann Auditorium, B1
Free Admission; Limited spaces

The premiere screening is scheduled on Sat, 2 March at 6.30pm. Following the screening, there will be an artist-led sharing session.   

"Do You See What I See?" by Pixie Tan

2–8 March 2024; All Day
Lobby, L1, Free Admission


"Do You See What I See?" is an interactive installation to reconsider self-reflection, conceptualised by Pixie Tan, art director and educator from Singapore.  


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"Do You See What I See?" by Pixie Tan

2–8 March 2024; All Day
Lobby, L1, Free Admission


"Do You See What I See?" is an interactive installation to reconsider self-reflection, conceptualised by Pixie Tan, art director and educator from Singapore.  


Modern-day Artisans: Loom & Braid with Craft Atelier

Sat and Sun, 2–3 March, 4–9pm

Lobby, Level 1, Free Admission

 

Experience the art of weaving with a modern loom and get a glimpse into the complex skills of the past! Discover the process of making textiles through a hands-on weaving activity, demonstrating how looms weave threads together to form cloth and tapestry. 

 

In Southeast Asia, numerous skilled weavers, often women, crafted intricate textiles and cloths, showcasing resilience in a physically demanding task. Explore these intricate creations up close at the ACM galleries. 

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Modern-day Artisans: Loom & Braid with Craft Atelier

Sat and Sun, 2–3 March, 4–9pm

Lobby, Level 1, Free Admission

 

Experience the art of weaving with a modern loom and get a glimpse into the complex skills of the past! Discover the process of making textiles through a hands-on weaving activity, demonstrating how looms weave threads together to form cloth and tapestry. 

 

In Southeast Asia, numerous skilled weavers, often women, crafted intricate textiles and cloths, showcasing resilience in a physically demanding task. Explore these intricate creations up close at the ACM galleries. 

Learn Kumihimo – Traditional Japanese Braiding

Discover the traditional Japanese art of kumihimo braiding, a technique for creating cords used in samurai swords, ceramics, and kimono sashes. Create your own kumihimo bracelet with all materials provided. While supplies last. 

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Learn Kumihimo – Traditional Japanese Braiding

Discover the traditional Japanese art of kumihimo braiding, a technique for creating cords used in samurai swords, ceramics, and kimono sashes. Create your own kumihimo bracelet with all materials provided. While supplies last. 

Pop-up Shop: Social Enterprise TeddyThotz

Sat and Sun, 2–3 March, 4–9pm

Lobby, Level 1

 

Indulge in retail therapy that supports those in need! TeddyThotz presents handmade and homemade creations by the underserved communities and indie crafters and designers to create unique products to support income generation.

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Pop-up Shop: Social Enterprise TeddyThotz

Sat and Sun, 2–3 March, 4–9pm

Lobby, Level 1

 

Indulge in retail therapy that supports those in need! TeddyThotz presents handmade and homemade creations by the underserved communities and indie crafters and designers to create unique products to support income generation.

Family-friendly Reading and Crafting Corner

Sat and Sun, 2–3 March, 4–9pm

Foyer, Level 2, Free Admission 
While supplies last. 


Take advantage of all the fun things to keep the kids busy! Explore past ACM craft kits*, learning resources, and a selection of books about the Philippines and the Americas at the Reading and Crafting Corner.
 

Please note that children under the age of 9 years old will need to be accompanied by an adult.

* While supplies last.  


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Family-friendly Reading and Crafting Corner

Sat and Sun, 2–3 March, 4–9pm

Foyer, Level 2, Free Admission 
While supplies last. 


Take advantage of all the fun things to keep the kids busy! Explore past ACM craft kits*, learning resources, and a selection of books about the Philippines and the Americas at the Reading and Crafting Corner.
 

Please note that children under the age of 9 years old will need to be accompanied by an adult.

* While supplies last.  


Edelweiss Giveaway

2–3 March, 4–9pm
ACM Hardcourt
Free; while supplies last.


Enjoy a complimentary can of Edelweiss and win exclusive merchandise! While supplies last. #Edelweiss #FeelTheAlps 

Strictly for ages 18 and above. 

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Edelweiss Giveaway

2–3 March, 4–9pm
ACM Hardcourt
Free; while supplies last.


Enjoy a complimentary can of Edelweiss and win exclusive merchandise! While supplies last. #Edelweiss #FeelTheAlps 

Strictly for ages 18 and above. 

About Crossing Cultures at ACM

Taking inspiration from objects in the galleries, Crossing Cultures explores ACM's collection through performing arts, craftsmanship, food traditions, wellness practices, and other aspects of intangible cultural heritage – past and present. Dive deep into Asia’s rich heritage with these special weekend programmes. Learn, explore, and create with us at ACM.

 

Crossing Cultures at ACM takes place on the first weekend of March, June, September, and December.

 

 

  Supported By

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Information is correct at time of publication and is subject to change, due to unforeseeable circumstances. 

 

 

 

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