Ethos Books Festive Market 2023

Visual arts Centre Exhibitions

Synopsis

Join us at the Ethos Books Festive Market 2023!

Featuring an eclectic indie mix of 17 artists, creatives and community organisers and 6 community dialogues/events. Expect bestselling Ethos titles at generous discounts (up to 40% and $5 book deals!), book swaps, fresh and funky prints and stickers, rad jagua tattoos, soap fragrances, vintage clothing, poetry readings and grounding conversations in the 2023 edition of the Ethos Books Festive Market.

In times like these, to read, connect, discuss and be part of community is both essential and a privilege. We hope you’ll find time to join us and support the vision and value of the creative and community work that we and our collaborators stand for.

💫FEATURING💫

BOOKS AND ZINES
– Ethos Books
– Jom
– Maktaba Books
– Wormhole

COMMUNITIES
– 3Pumpkins
– laphetwyne

ARTISTS
– Birkbusha Studios
– Clarice Ng
– Jynk Ink
– Marie Toh
– mercci makes
– Comic artists from NUS Libraries Writers’ Centre
– SADSHRIMPS 

CLOTHES, SOAPS, TOYS AND MORE
– After Work Crochet
– All Fingers & Thumbs
– kaeru thrift store & Shibui World
– Rough Beauty

Event Details

This event is open to the public.

Join us at the Ethos Books Festive Market on:

Friday, 1 Dec, 6pm – 9pm

Saturday, 2 Dec, 1pm – 7pm

Sunday, 3 Dec: 1pm – 6pm

Join us for these community conversations during the market (open to public, limited seats available):

  • 1 Dec, Friday, 7pm – 8pm | Picturing the Singapore Dream
    with Sudhir Vadaketh, Nabilah Said and Jaya Khidir

As part of a section on Singaporean housing in its first print magazine, Jom worked with Kontinentalist to design a fold-out insert that has a mix of a choropleth map, infographics and charts, which together depict the housing conundrum we face. A separate project was a satirical photography series that critiques The Singapore Dream by showing couples in four different homes, from a public housing apartment to a colonial black-and-white. Nabilah Said (Editorial Lead, Kontinentalist) and Jaya Khidir (Photographer) join Sudhir Vadaketh (Editor-in-chief, Jom) to talk about their work.

  • 1 Dec, Friday, 8pm – 9pm | Ethos Books 2024 Preview Night

On opening night, Ethos Books will be previewing and celebrating our 2024 authors and titles – come down to meet our authors and their forthcoming titles, and get a sneak peek into what’s in store for the new year. Our publisher will also be delivering a message during this programme.

  • 2 Dec, Saturday, 3pm – 4pm | Nusantara Women IRL
    with Mysara Aljaru, Nessa Anwar and Hajar Manaf, moderated by Sarah Bagharib

Join us for an afternoon of real and honest conversations with four women who identify with or feel connected to the Malay cultures of the Nusantara, also known as the Malay Archipelago. We invite you to listen to the stories of these women and explore their identities and the concept of belonging. What does it mean to feel belonging and how can we feel connected through a shared Nusantara identity while navigating unique lived experiences? We hope this session will inspire you to discover and explore your own roots and identity within the Nusantara and beyond.

  • 2 Dec, Saturday, 5pm – 6pm | Teh Tarik with Walid IRL: Community Building through the Arts
    with 3Pumpkins and ArtsWok Collaborative

What is community art? What are the spaces they create and how do they impact the communities around them? Join Walid J. Abdullah in conversation with Ngiam Su-Lin (ArtsWok Collaborative) and Lin Shiyun (3Pumpkins) as they explore ways to build community through the arts, and their unique challenges.

  • 3 Dec, Sunday, 1.30pm – 2.30pm | In The Interest of Human Interest
    with RICE Media

What is the impact of storytelling on fringe communities? At RICE Media’s panel discussion, its content creators dive into the humane craft of human interest stories and empathetic journalism.

  • 3 Dec Sunday, 3.30pm – 4.30pm | Carnival of Poetry: Bridging Worlds Through Words

Carnival of Poetry, organised by Migrant Writers of Singapore and supported by Sing Lit Station and The Majurity Trust, brings together a global community of poets and poetry enthusiasts every month. Join us for an inspiring poetry reading and panel discussion, featuring migrant writers, as we celebrate the unifying power of words that bridge worlds.

Visual arts Centre Exhibitions

Wormhole

Wormhole is an online bookstore built on the belief that stories are essential for readers and non-readers alike. Expect books, cute stickers, greeting cards, accessories and apparel that are perfect for the gifting season!

Visual arts Centre Exhibitions

Shibui

Shibui World is a vintage store for lovers of 90s minimalism. We curate timeless pieces you’ll want to live in — everyday, forever.

Visual arts Centre Exhibitions

SADSHRIMPS

SADSHRIMPS is a a cute and silly lifestyle brand filled with illustrated designs. Lovingly made pieces ranging from stationery to apparel and art for all your home decor needs.

Visual arts Centre Exhibitions

Jynk Ink

Jynk Ink was started by artist Jen who specialises in drawing styles ranging from botanical illustrations to stylistic line work. Her inspirations come from nature and her experience as an illustrator and animator. Bridging multiple art fields is at the heart of Jynk Ink.

Visual arts Centre Exhibitions

Jom

Jom is a new weekly digital magazine covering arts, culture, politics, business, technology and more in Singapore. They will be selling their print launch, totebags, postcards, and stickers.

venue here

Our Visual Arts Centre Exhibition Gallery Venue Hire Calendar For 2026/2027 Is Open!

Click Here to Enquire For Bookings Today!
Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage
Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”
World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]
A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.
Academy Drawing Traditions
The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.
Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy
This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.
Funk with Graffiti
Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.
Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.

Agree Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions – Neon Glow Art Jamming & Colour Blast Party (Saturday Sessions Only)

  1. Participation
    • Participation in the Neon Glow Art Jamming & Colour Blast Party is voluntary. By participating, all participants acknowledge that they understand and accept the nature of the activities and agree to participate at their own risk.
  2. Health & Safety
    • The event takes place in an outdoor festival environment featuring bright lighting effects, flashing lights, amplified music, and high sound levels, which may not be suitable for individuals who are sensitive to light, sound, or have related medical conditions.
    • Participants are responsible for ensuring that they are medically fit to participate in the activities.
  3. Colour Blast Party
    • The Colour Blast Party uses coloured cornflour powder.
    • By participating in the Colour Blast Party, participants confirm that they:
      • Do not have any known allergy or sensitivity to cornflour, corn, coloured powder, or similar materials.
      • Do not suffer from asthma, respiratory conditions, or any medical condition that may be aggravated by airborne powder.
      • Understand the nature of the activity and voluntarily choose to participate.
  4. Face & Body Painting
    • Optional face and/or body painting may be available during the event.
    • Participants choosing to receive face or body painting confirm that they have no known allergies or skin conditions that may be affected by cosmetic or body paint products. Participants with sensitive skin are advised to refrain from participating.
  5. Assumption of Risk
    • Participants acknowledge that participation in the event, including but not limited to art jamming, the Colour Blast Party, face and/or body painting, and related activities, carries inherent risks, including accidental slips, falls, minor injuries, allergic reactions, respiratory irritation, or other unforeseen incidents.
  6. Indemnity and Release
    • By participating in the event, participants agree, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to release, discharge, and indemnify Visual Arts Centre, CHIJMES, their respective officers, employees, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, partners, and representatives from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, expenses, injuries, or actions arising out of or in connection with participation in the event, except where such claims arise directly from the negligence or wilful misconduct of the organisers.
  7. Personal Responsibility
    • Participants are responsible for their own personal belongings and should exercise reasonable care while participating. Appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for an outdoor event are recommended.
  8. Organiser's Rights
    • Visual Arts Centre and CHIJMES reserve the right to refuse participation or remove any participant whose behaviour is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or poses a risk to others. The organisers also reserve the right to modify, postpone, suspend, or cancel the event due to weather, safety concerns, or unforeseen circumstances.

Agree Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions For All Course/Workshop(s) at Visual Arts Centre (VAC):