Past Forward: Singapore Memory Project celebrates SG50 with creative showcase

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:15
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20 out of 74 creative projects that capture memories of the country’s past will be on display this weekend at the National Library Building.

Seeing that our island state is gearing up for quite the epic jubilee year celebration, everyone and anyone is coming together to relive slices of Singapore’s past – often which have long become a mere figment of one’s memories.

With the launch of Past Forward, the National Library Board will be showcasing 74 creative projects from April to August, that aim to present different stories and reveal lesser known aspects of Singapore. Carried out through a host of different mediums like photography, films and books, a sneak preview of 20 selected projects will be on display at The Plaza of the National Library Building till 20 March. The launch yesterday was graced by Minister for Communications and Information, Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim.

Funded by the iRememberSG Fund, the talented people behind the works are local home-grown filmmakers, artists and individuals who simply wanted to be a part of documenting Singapore’s past. Of the 20, catch a glimpse of Island Nation’s documentary on the Southern islands of Singapore – Pulau Satumu and St John’s Island – as they captured stories and anecdotes from islanders currently living there and former residents of the area who made a trip back to revisit old memories of kampong (island) spirit.

Or if you’re a fan of Lego bricks, then The Little Red Brick project would particularly impress you with their 50 intricate creations of various landmarks in Singapore – from the Merlion to the SBS bus and shophouses. While several pieces are already on display, the final piece will only be unveiled during the week of Singapore’s 50th birthday.

Personally, I’m looking forward to visit Queenstown Public Library for a short talk on the book, ‘My Queenstown: My Heritage, My Community, My Aspirations’. The neighbourhood was after all where I grew up, played at the bowling alley and playgrounds and skated around on roller blades after the last school bell. Too see it now become a flat field of grass is heartbreaking but the memories will last forever.

To see Singaporeans come together to weave their recollections into one massive quilt that encompasses the nation’s evolution through the years is not only touching but thought-provoking to think that we’ve come so far and achieved so much.

So whether you’re Singaporean or not, the slew of exhibitions, film screenings, launch events and fringe activities will no doubt offer a brilliant insight into the country’s history and in any case, this is one fantastic way to show your support for local talent and give them the recognition they so deserve.

For more information on The Singapore Memory Project, do visit www.singaporememory.sg.

Tarandip Kaur


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Marie France Asia, women's magazine