Crossing Cultures at ACM: A Weekend of Curiosities

Programme

Crossing Cultures at ACM: A Weekend of Curiosities
Explore curiosities across time and space through a gathering of emerging creators, performers, and creative voices from today’s cultural landscape.

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.
10–12 April 2026
Daily - Friday, 5–9.30pm / Sat & Sun, 2–9.30pm
Asian Civilisations Museum
Free and ticketed activities available
10–12 April 2026
Daily - Friday, 5–9.30pm / Sat & Sun, 2–9.30pm
Asian Civilisations Museum
Free and ticketed activities available
Explore curiosities across time and space through a gathering of emerging creators, performers, and creative voices from today’s cultural landscape.

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.

DROP-IN ACTIVITIES

COLLECTION LAUNCH: ACM X UTMe!

Fri to Sun, 10–12 Apr
Museum opening hours
Lobby, Level 1
Free

ACM x UTme! features exclusive T-shirt designs by Singapore-based artists inspired by objects from ACM’s collection – reimagined with a fantastical twist. View the latest collection and past UTme! designs at the pop-up display in the Level 1 Lobby.

Artists include: SONG, HAFI, Nikkei, Gabriel De Souza (wolfsloth) and Djohan/Knuckles & Notch, curated by Knuckles & Notch

With every purchase of an ACM x UTme! T-shirt from UNIQLO’s Orchard Central Global Flagship Store, VivoCity, JEWEL, and ION Orchard stores, visitors will receive complimentary access tickets to ACM’s special exhibitions and all-access areas. Limited to the first 100 redemptions tickets per month until 30 July 2026.

Meet the designers and join drop-in guided activities across the weekend! Schedule to be released soon. 

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COLLECTION LAUNCH: ACM X UTMe!

Fri to Sun, 10–12 Apr
Museum opening hours
Lobby, Level 1
Free

ACM x UTme! features exclusive T-shirt designs by Singapore-based artists inspired by objects from ACM’s collection – reimagined with a fantastical twist. View the latest collection and past UTme! designs at the pop-up display in the Level 1 Lobby.

Artists include: SONG, HAFI, Nikkei, Gabriel De Souza (wolfsloth) and Djohan/Knuckles & Notch, curated by Knuckles & Notch

With every purchase of an ACM x UTme! T-shirt from UNIQLO’s Orchard Central Global Flagship Store, VivoCity, JEWEL, and ION Orchard stores, visitors will receive complimentary access tickets to ACM’s special exhibitions and all-access areas. Limited to the first 100 redemptions tickets per month until 30 July 2026.

Meet the designers and join drop-in guided activities across the weekend! Schedule to be released soon. 

Drop-in Craft: Printmaking with Knuckles & Notch

Fri, 10 April, 5–8pm
Sat & Sun, 11 & 12 April, 2–5pm
Lobby, Level 1
Free with limited quantities

Try screen printing using mesh and squeegee! Create and take home your own printed poster with guidance from Knuckles & Notch.

About Knuckles & Notch

Knuckles & Notch, a Singapore-based creative studio and Risograph press founded in 2013, rooted in the charm of analogue. Known for a vivid and offbeat aesthetic, they aim to be as hands-on as possible, to retain the beauty of a human-made, accessible creative process.

Image credit: Knuckles & Notch

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Drop-in Craft: Printmaking with Knuckles & Notch

Fri, 10 April, 5–8pm
Sat & Sun, 11 & 12 April, 2–5pm
Lobby, Level 1
Free with limited quantities

Try screen printing using mesh and squeegee! Create and take home your own printed poster with guidance from Knuckles & Notch.

About Knuckles & Notch

Knuckles & Notch, a Singapore-based creative studio and Risograph press founded in 2013, rooted in the charm of analogue. Known for a vivid and offbeat aesthetic, they aim to be as hands-on as possible, to retain the beauty of a human-made, accessible creative process.

Image credit: Knuckles & Notch

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Movie and Macramé Nights!

Fri to Sun, 10–12 April,
7.30–9.30pm (Craft kit and bento collection from 7pm)
ACM Hard Court
Free seating; $15 per bento (Friday only)
Headphones are required for this event

Settle in for an evening of craft and film under the stars. This silent cinema experience uses your own headphones and smartphone for clear, personal audio. Bring your favourite snacks and drinks, and enjoy the movie your way.

Download Cinewav and bring your own earbuds for an immersive, high-quality audio experience.


Enhance your experience

  • Okinawa bento* from Nirai Kanai:  $15 (Friday only). Book here. 
  • Macramé craft kit: Be the first 100 attendees each night to receive a free macramé craft kit.

    Limited craft kits and headphones available, while supplies last.

Film schedule
Fri, 10 April: Jimami Tofu (2017), followed by a sharing session with directors Christian Lee and Jason Keng-Kwin Chan
Sat, 11 April: Linda Linda Linda (2005) dir. Nobuhiro Yamashita
Sun, 12 April: Perfect Days (2023) dir. Wim Wenders

*This bento contains peanuts and may contain traces of other common allergens. For ingredient details or allergy concerns, please contact NHB_ACM_Prog@nhb.gov.sg before consumption. Individuals with food allergies are advised to exercise caution and review ingredient information before consuming.

Presented by Cinewav

About Cinewav
Cinewav reimagines outdoor cinema with high-definition audio delivered through your mobile phone.

Image credit: Cinewav and Macramenian

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Movie and Macramé Nights!

Fri to Sun, 10–12 April,
7.30–9.30pm (Craft kit and bento collection from 7pm)
ACM Hard Court
Free seating; $15 per bento (Friday only)
Headphones are required for this event

Settle in for an evening of craft and film under the stars. This silent cinema experience uses your own headphones and smartphone for clear, personal audio. Bring your favourite snacks and drinks, and enjoy the movie your way.

Download Cinewav and bring your own earbuds for an immersive, high-quality audio experience.


Enhance your experience

  • Okinawa bento* from Nirai Kanai:  $15 (Friday only). Book here. 
  • Macramé craft kit: Be the first 100 attendees each night to receive a free macramé craft kit.

    Limited craft kits and headphones available, while supplies last.

Film schedule
Fri, 10 April: Jimami Tofu (2017), followed by a sharing session with directors Christian Lee and Jason Keng-Kwin Chan
Sat, 11 April: Linda Linda Linda (2005) dir. Nobuhiro Yamashita
Sun, 12 April: Perfect Days (2023) dir. Wim Wenders

*This bento contains peanuts and may contain traces of other common allergens. For ingredient details or allergy concerns, please contact NHB_ACM_Prog@nhb.gov.sg before consumption. Individuals with food allergies are advised to exercise caution and review ingredient information before consuming.

Presented by Cinewav

About Cinewav
Cinewav reimagines outdoor cinema with high-definition audio delivered through your mobile phone.

Image credit: Cinewav and Macramenian

image highlight

The Sanctuary by SANTAi

Sat & Sun, 11–12 April
2–8pm
River Room, Level 2
Free admission; charges apply for activities
Cashless payment only

Step into The Sanctuary by SANTAi and experience a world that ignites the senses! Explore drop-in activities, discover works and create alongside emerging creatives, and enjoy food and drinks with DJ sets spanning across funk, dub, reggae, jazz, and soulful selections.

Featured experiences 
Type Over Time: Hand-Painted Faux-Aged Sign Workshop (Old World Charm)
Diorama Workshop by Tofu House
Block Printing & Linocut Workshop with Wan Ling Art Craft
Lumen Printing Workshop by Studio Wilt

Pigubao’s Travelling Tonic Experience by Hellopigu


Artist schedules may vary. Visit the River Room on Level 2 to join a session!

 

Food & beverage

Tea The Gathering

Boujee Botanicals

Cranki Patisserie

DJ Schedule

11 APRIL
Itch: 2pm
Naida: 3:30pm
Vinceshi: 5pm
Nez Senja: 6:30pm

12 APRIL
Zai: 2pm
Vinyl Heavy: 3:30pm
Halia: 5pm
Kin Leonn: 6:30pm


About SANTAi
In Bahasa, santai means to relax — and that is at the heart of what they do. More than a bar or restaurant, SANTAi is a space to slow down, connect, and feel at ease. It has grown into a gathering space for artists, DJs, friends, neighbours.

Image credit: SANTAi

image highlight
The Sanctuary by SANTAi

Sat & Sun, 11–12 April
2–8pm
River Room, Level 2
Free admission; charges apply for activities
Cashless payment only

Step into The Sanctuary by SANTAi and experience a world that ignites the senses! Explore drop-in activities, discover works and create alongside emerging creatives, and enjoy food and drinks with DJ sets spanning across funk, dub, reggae, jazz, and soulful selections.

Featured experiences 
Type Over Time: Hand-Painted Faux-Aged Sign Workshop (Old World Charm)
Diorama Workshop by Tofu House
Block Printing & Linocut Workshop with Wan Ling Art Craft
Lumen Printing Workshop by Studio Wilt

Pigubao’s Travelling Tonic Experience by Hellopigu


Artist schedules may vary. Visit the River Room on Level 2 to join a session!

 

Food & beverage

Tea The Gathering

Boujee Botanicals

Cranki Patisserie

DJ Schedule

11 APRIL
Itch: 2pm
Naida: 3:30pm
Vinceshi: 5pm
Nez Senja: 6:30pm

12 APRIL
Zai: 2pm
Vinyl Heavy: 3:30pm
Halia: 5pm
Kin Leonn: 6:30pm


About SANTAi
In Bahasa, santai means to relax — and that is at the heart of what they do. More than a bar or restaurant, SANTAi is a space to slow down, connect, and feel at ease. It has grown into a gathering space for artists, DJs, friends, neighbours.

Image credit: SANTAi

Summer Island: An Architectural Film Official Premiere Screening & Panel Discussion

Sat, 11 Apr, 4.30pm
Ngee Ann Auditorium, Basement
$10 refundable deposit; register on Peatix

Yusuke, a Japanese resident in Singapore, takes his 5-year-old daughter, Emma on an urban exploration adventure while her mother is away. Over three days, what begins as a series of casual outings unfolds into a deeper exploration of Singapore’s evolving identity – seen through its architecture, art, and quiet moments of human connection.

Thematic panel discussion: Crossing cultures through art and architecture
Following the screening of Summer Island, a panel of architectural and art practitioners will explore how culture, memory, and place intersect. The discussion looks at how art and architecture shape cultural experiences, and how creative practices express identity across borders. From murals and pavilions to film, the panel reflects on how stories and spaces create connection and shared understanding.

Speakers include:
Shawn Teo Eng Kiong, DP Architects
Drishti Kulshreshtha, DP Architects
Yip Yew Chong, Mural Artist
Kevin Siyuan, Shiya Creative Studio
Moderator – Calvin Chua, Spatial Anatomy

Registration required here.

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Summer Island: An Architectural Film Official Premiere Screening & Panel Discussion

Sat, 11 Apr, 4.30pm
Ngee Ann Auditorium, Basement
$10 refundable deposit; register on Peatix

Yusuke, a Japanese resident in Singapore, takes his 5-year-old daughter, Emma on an urban exploration adventure while her mother is away. Over three days, what begins as a series of casual outings unfolds into a deeper exploration of Singapore’s evolving identity – seen through its architecture, art, and quiet moments of human connection.

Thematic panel discussion: Crossing cultures through art and architecture
Following the screening of Summer Island, a panel of architectural and art practitioners will explore how culture, memory, and place intersect. The discussion looks at how art and architecture shape cultural experiences, and how creative practices express identity across borders. From murals and pavilions to film, the panel reflects on how stories and spaces create connection and shared understanding.

Speakers include:
Shawn Teo Eng Kiong, DP Architects
Drishti Kulshreshtha, DP Architects
Yip Yew Chong, Mural Artist
Kevin Siyuan, Shiya Creative Studio
Moderator – Calvin Chua, Spatial Anatomy

Registration required here.

PERFORMANCES

PICNIC POP!

Sat & Sun, 11 & 12 Apr, 4–7pm
ACM Green
Free

Enjoy a line-up of local musicians and performers on the ACM Green, complete with Uniqlo-branded picnic furniture.

Featuring performances from LAYYI, Ann Siang Sounds, Teenage Pop, and more!

Performance schedule

Sat, 11 April
4–5pm: DJ set by Teenage Pop
6–6.45pm: LAYYI

Sun, 12 April
4–7pm: Ann Siang Sounds: Open Jam

Image credit: ACM and UNIQLO

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PICNIC POP!

Sat & Sun, 11 & 12 Apr, 4–7pm
ACM Green
Free

Enjoy a line-up of local musicians and performers on the ACM Green, complete with Uniqlo-branded picnic furniture.

Featuring performances from LAYYI, Ann Siang Sounds, Teenage Pop, and more!

Performance schedule

Sat, 11 April
4–5pm: DJ set by Teenage Pop
6–6.45pm: LAYYI

Sun, 12 April
4–7pm: Ann Siang Sounds: Open Jam

Image credit: ACM and UNIQLO

GALLERY EXPERIENCES

Sound of 3PEOPLEMUSIC

Sat & Sun, 11–12 Apr,
3.30pm
Scholars Gallery, Level 2
General admission sticker required

Experience a trio of guzheng, ruan, and bamboo flutes performers from Taiwan, blending tradition with contemporary influences. Their music brings together folk reinterpretations, original compositions, and diverse sound textures.

Leader/ Guzheng | KUO Jing-mu
Musical Director/ Dizi & Xiao | JEN Chung
Music Producer/ Ruan | PAN I-tung
Administrator | CHEN Yi-ting

About 3PEOPLEMUSIC
Founded in 2013, this Taiwan-based trio combines classical roots with contemporary creativity. They earned a Bronze at the 2022 Global Music Awards and the Best Live Music Video award at the 2025 Europe Music Video Awards. Their album Change won Best Crossover Music Album at the 33rd Golden Melody Awards.

They have performed across Asia, Europe, and North America, and were part of the 2024 Paris Cultural Olympiad. In 2025, they became the first officially selected team to represent Taiwan at WOMEX.

Image credit: 3PEOPLEMUSIC

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Sound of 3PEOPLEMUSIC

Sat & Sun, 11–12 Apr,
3.30pm
Scholars Gallery, Level 2
General admission sticker required

Experience a trio of guzheng, ruan, and bamboo flutes performers from Taiwan, blending tradition with contemporary influences. Their music brings together folk reinterpretations, original compositions, and diverse sound textures.

Leader/ Guzheng | KUO Jing-mu
Musical Director/ Dizi & Xiao | JEN Chung
Music Producer/ Ruan | PAN I-tung
Administrator | CHEN Yi-ting

About 3PEOPLEMUSIC
Founded in 2013, this Taiwan-based trio combines classical roots with contemporary creativity. They earned a Bronze at the 2022 Global Music Awards and the Best Live Music Video award at the 2025 Europe Music Video Awards. Their album Change won Best Crossover Music Album at the 33rd Golden Melody Awards.

They have performed across Asia, Europe, and North America, and were part of the 2024 Paris Cultural Olympiad. In 2025, they became the first officially selected team to represent Taiwan at WOMEX.

Image credit: 3PEOPLEMUSIC

Balinese dance performance and workshop by Eka Suwara Santhi

Sat & Sun, 11–12 Apr,
2pm
Ancestors & Rituals Gallery, Level 2
General admission sticker required

 

Witness a performance by Eka Suwara Santhi showcasing traditional Balinese movements. Join a workshop to learn the graceful movements from the dancers themselves.

 

About Eka Suwara Santhi
Established in 2014, Eka Suwara Santhi is Singapore's only Balinese dance group. They perform works ranging from ancient compositions to contemporary choreographies. The group also offers dance and movement workshops at all levels, as well as educational talks on Balinese dance and its cultural heritage.

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Balinese dance performance and workshop by Eka Suwara Santhi

Sat & Sun, 11–12 Apr,
2pm
Ancestors & Rituals Gallery, Level 2
General admission sticker required

 

Witness a performance by Eka Suwara Santhi showcasing traditional Balinese movements. Join a workshop to learn the graceful movements from the dancers themselves.

 

About Eka Suwara Santhi
Established in 2014, Eka Suwara Santhi is Singapore's only Balinese dance group. They perform works ranging from ancient compositions to contemporary choreographies. The group also offers dance and movement workshops at all levels, as well as educational talks on Balinese dance and its cultural heritage.

REGISTERED ACTIVITIES

From Tea to Textile: A Tea Dyeing Workshop with project coal

Sat, 11 April,
3–4.30pm
Discovery Room, Basement
$18 per participant; register on Peatix
For ages 18 and up

Discover the art of natural dyeing using tea in this hands-on workshop. Learn simple shibori techniques to create beautiful organic patterns while dyeing your own furoshiki to take home. Gain practical knowledge to refresh and dye everyday items using accessible materials for sustainable creativity.

Registration required here.

About project coal
project coal explores natural dyes through textiles, objects, and art. Their handcrafted pieces use botanical extracts and pigments to create earthy tones, resulting in works that carry both material and cultural stories.

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From Tea to Textile: A Tea Dyeing Workshop with project coal

Sat, 11 April,
3–4.30pm
Discovery Room, Basement
$18 per participant; register on Peatix
For ages 18 and up

Discover the art of natural dyeing using tea in this hands-on workshop. Learn simple shibori techniques to create beautiful organic patterns while dyeing your own furoshiki to take home. Gain practical knowledge to refresh and dye everyday items using accessible materials for sustainable creativity.

Registration required here.

About project coal
project coal explores natural dyes through textiles, objects, and art. Their handcrafted pieces use botanical extracts and pigments to create earthy tones, resulting in works that carry both material and cultural stories.

Butter and Beyond: A Butter Crafting Workshop with Borderlessbutter

Sun, 12 April,
3–4.30pm
Discovery Room, Basement
$18 per participant; register on Peatix
For ages 18 and up

 

Reconnect with traditional butter-making in this hands-on workshop perfect for food enthusiasts and beginners. Learn the basics of butter composition and flavour pairing while crafting your own compound butter blends to take home!

 

Registration required here.

 

About Borderlessbutter

Borderlessbutter is a local artisanal brand creating small-batch compound butters inspired by global flavours. Their products are designed to elevate everyday meals with simple, thoughtful touches.

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Butter and Beyond: A Butter Crafting Workshop with Borderlessbutter

Sun, 12 April,
3–4.30pm
Discovery Room, Basement
$18 per participant; register on Peatix
For ages 18 and up

 

Reconnect with traditional butter-making in this hands-on workshop perfect for food enthusiasts and beginners. Learn the basics of butter composition and flavour pairing while crafting your own compound butter blends to take home!

 

Registration required here.

 

About Borderlessbutter

Borderlessbutter is a local artisanal brand creating small-batch compound butters inspired by global flavours. Their products are designed to elevate everyday meals with simple, thoughtful touches.

COLLECTIBLE ZINE

A Weekend of Curiosities – Collectible Zine

Ready to dive into Crossing Cultures 2026? Start your journey with a free, limited-edition collectible zine. Discover stories behind selected objects, learn about the making of Checkmates! giant chessboard, and snag a fold-out poster featuring A Weekend of Curiosities.

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A Weekend of Curiosities – Collectible Zine

Ready to dive into Crossing Cultures 2026? Start your journey with a free, limited-edition collectible zine. Discover stories behind selected objects, learn about the making of Checkmates! giant chessboard, and snag a fold-out poster featuring A Weekend of Curiosities.

 

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