Moon Petal

Singapore is a lively place, and one that’s almost always a step ahead of the rest of the world in terms of art and culture. If it’s not ahead, it keeps a solid pace, but more often than not it seems to set standards. It’s easy to see, too, even in the first few moments of arrival in the small but very cosmopolitan city-state.

There are artistic touches everywhere, at the airport, on buildings, and even the crowds seem to carry a sense of design, as if their movements were choreographed by someone with a very good eye. It’s apparent in most any hotel, and a Singapore restaurant carries an exquisite capability to demonstrate what food is supposed to look and taste like.

It’s no surprise, then, to learn about events like Noise Singapore , because it’s edgy, and entertaining, and seems like such a great idea that it’s strange no one thought of it before now. Noise Singapore is now in its fourth year, and it’s rather revolutionary and still so simple.

The idea behind Noise Singapore is to give a platform for young artists, under 35 years of age, the chance to demonstrate their work in a setting that’s devoted to them. This year there is a cash prize, along with a 7 week mentorship program with top artists in Singapore. This is a wonderful idea, because it shows a commitment to the artists of the future, and that is a always a sign of a culture that’s willing to invest in itself.

There are many different categories, including sound, photography, art, and design, giving a wide berth to young people working in varieties of media. It’s also far-thinking in terms of presentation. Because it is Singapore, and seems ahead of the rest of the world in art matters, a lot of the work is done in site-specific places, and a lot of it is public, too. The creators of the event wanted to make something that would enter into all aspects of the city, so that the viewers could see how art penetrates all things, and makes the sweet life possible.