6 fun family activities at S’pore art festival that also support a good cause

Celebrate art & community at Shaping Hearts Inclusive Arts Festival from 19 Oct to 3 Nov

Family activities are a dime a dozen, but finding one that brings everyone together while being fun, educational, and gives back to the community is a true gem.

From 19 Oct to 3 Nov, visit Our Tampines Hub to check out Shaping Hearts, Singapore’s largest inclusive arts festival, a vibrant showcase of the artistic talents of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

This festival promises a kaleidoscope of fun for all ages while supporting a genuinely meaningful cause. While you’re there, you can also pick up a painting or two to spruce up the walls of your flat.

Here’s a roundup of six must-try activities that guarantee a fabulous family day out while making a positive impact on the community.

1. Pick up unique handicrafts at the Heartbox

Get your festival vibe rolling at the lively Heartbox, open exclusively on 19-20 Oct. Brought to you by the creators of Artbox.

Stroll through a marketplace filled with colourful stalls showcasing unique handicrafts and mouthwatering delights. Think of it as a magical bazaar, where every corner reveals something new and exciting.

Each handcrafted item is a one-of-a-kind treasure, perfect for picking up as a souvenir or gift.

And the best part is, whether you’re snacking on something delicious or treating yourself to a cute trinket, every bite and purchase supports their creators and spotlights their inspiring stories.

2. Get creative with family-friendly fringe activities

Want to get into some hands-on fun with the family? The Shaping Hearts Inclusive Arts Festival has you covered with a range of exciting fringe activities for all ages.

Try your hand at making Suncatchers – create vibrant stained-glass-like decorations to brighten your windows using colourful tissue paper. 

Kids will love the Craft for Kids station, where they can turn simple toilet rolls into playful animal figures using markers, googly eyes, and stickers.

If you’re feeling particularly artsy, join the Nagomi Bookmark workshop, where you can create your own beautifully designed bookmarks inspired by the Japanese Nagomi pastel art style. Or get creative with Mask Painting, where you can design and paint your own mask using bright acrylic colours.

These fun and easy activities are perfect for family bonding while crafting keepsakes to take home!

3. Step into another’s shoes at the Sensory Pods

Want to add some depth to your festival adventure? Swing by the Sensory Pods, a unique, interactive experience that invites you to step into the shoes of artists with disabilities.

You and your family can try out sensory activities designed to replicate the heightened environments that some individuals experience, especially those who struggle with overstimulation.

Imagine navigating through pods that focus on sound and light, giving you a taste of the challenges that artists with disabilities face in their creative journeys. It’s a fantastic way to gain a deeper understanding of their world while boosting your empathy and respect for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

4. Dive into digital art at the Interactive Kiosk

If you’re looking for a fun mix of tech and creativity, the Interactive Kiosk is the place to be.

This space features digital displays that let families explore different forms of art and storytelling.

Here’s the cool part: you get to draw on a screen while wearing special glasses that simulate different visual disabilities. Once you’re done, you’ll see your artwork side by side with a piece created by someone with a visual disability using the same prompt. Then, watch as your artwork is brought to life, projected on the screen for all to see!

It’s a neat way to get a glimpse into their perspective and experiences while trying something new — and it’ll definitely give you something interesting to chat about at your next dinner gathering.

5. Be amazed at the Mouth-Painting Try-Out

One of the most captivating experiences at the Shaping Hearts Inclusive Art Festival is the Mouth-Painting Try-Out, where you can unleash your creativity by painting with just a paintbrush, watercolours, and paper — all using only your mouth.

Psst, if you visit on 19 Oct between 12pm and 2.30pm, seize the opportunity to see Christina Lau, one of the talented Heartists, perform a live mouth-painting demonstration.

You can purchase art kits at the merch booth for S$8, which include a paintbrush, watercolour paper, and a mystery Shaping Hearts merchandise. Then head on over to the booth where watercolours will be provided so you can try out mouth-painting. 

But even if you don’t buy a kit, feel free to swing by and watch the magic happen.

6. Shop for meaningful souvenirs at the Merchandise Store

Shopping is a great way to unwind, but it feels even better when you know your purchases are supporting a good cause.

The Merchandise Store at the Shaping Hearts Inclusive Art Festival offers a fantastic selection of items created by talented artists with disabilities, or ‘Heartist’. 

The store also offers a wide variety of items, including pocket pouches, umbrellas, and compact mirrors, all featuring artwork created by Heartists.

While you browse the merchandise, don’t forget to explore the exhibition showcasing over 500 stunning paintings of these talented artists throughout the festival.

These beautiful keepsakes are not only reminders of your time at the festival but also directly support the artists. Plus, all proceeds from merchandise and painting sales go toward supporting the participating artists with disabilities and their social service agencies.

Join Shaping Hearts Inclusive Art Festival & make a difference

Beyond being a memorable experience, the Shaping Hearts Inclusive Arts Festival is your ticket to exploring the creativity and talents of artists with disabilities while supporting their incredible contributions to the art world.

Your participation and purchases help create a more inclusive and supportive community, so here are the details you need to know to plan your trip:

Shaping Hearts Inclusive Arts Festival
Address: Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523
Dates: 19 Oct – 3 Nov
Opening hours: 10am – 9pm
Nearest MRT station: Tampines 

Can’t make it? No worries, you can still support the Heartists by visiting the Shaping Hearts Online Shop and grabbing some cool artwork while knowing that your purchase is making a difference.

With over 500 brilliant pieces available, you’re sure to find something that speaks to your style.

For more information, visit the official website here and follow Shaping Hearts on Instagram.

This article was brought to you in collaboration with Shaping Hearts, organised by North East CDC.

Featured image courtesy of Shaping Hearts and adapted from Aaron Yeo on Facebook.