Synopsis:

The city is primed for war. Metal rails turn void decks into dead space. Clusters of CCTVs at every corner capture our #OOTDs every second, enshrining them in 0s and 1s forever. Ours is a city covered in spikes and studs, divided by fences, turning inwards and on itself.

The city is a battlefield, but we are lovers, not fighters. We suit up and ship out every day, braving the crowds and the city itself in navigating everyday life. We get creative in the face of hostility and exclusion by design.

Touch Me, Touch Me Not is a multidisciplinary inclusive arts show that invites artists and designers from various creative fields to respond to hostile design and the politics of space in Singapore. The show features wearables, interactive installations, and performances that riff on the theme of personal space, exclusivity, reclaiming our right to public space, and what it means to have an unassailable sense of belonging and ownership.

The show opens at The Substation SAD Bar on Saturday 21 March 2020, 7pm, with an inclusive wearable art parade featuring the works of Singaporean artists Christie Klassen, Ge Xiaocong, Hun Ming Kwang, Natalia Tan, Quinn Lum, Simeon Tan, and Tran Bich Lien, and models with special needs from social enterprise Singapore Fashion Runway. Other featured artists in the exhibition include Charmaine Poh (recognised in 2019 as one of Forbes Asia 30 under 30 - The Arts) and renowned local textile artist as well as sustainable fashion pioneer Agatha Lee.

Thereafter, the exhibition is open 22-29 March from 12-9pm. Special events include a live concert by homegrown musician Bennett Bay, artist panels/workshops, and animated spoken word performances by theatre troupe Patch and Punnet.

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Programmes:

Main Exhibition: Touch Me, Touch Me Not
The Substation SAD Bar
21 Mar, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
22 - 29 Mar, 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Admission is free and unticketed

Special Sessions & Performances**
**Admission is free for all special sessions but tickets via Peatix are required.

21 Mar, Sat, 7:00pm
Opening Ceremony and WITH//AGAINST
An inclusive, interactive wearable art showcase featuring Singapore Fashion Runway

22 Mar, Sun, 7:00pm
Songs From My Room
A music showcase by Bennett Bay

22 Mar, Sun, 8:00pm
PLACEMAKERS
A dialogue with the artists across the disciplines of architecture, music and conceptual art

27 - 29 Mar, 7:00pm
Tiny Tales from Singapore
An animated spoken word show by Patch & Punnet

27 Mar, Fri, 8:00pm
WORD AND BODY
An exploration of hostile spaces through text, photography, and movement

28 Mar, Sat, 8:00pm
A SOFTER WORLD
Textile art and soft sculpture dialogue and performance piece

29 Mar, Sun, 7:30pm
Post-Performance Q&A by Patch & Punnett

29 Mar, Sun, 8:00pm
Closing Ceremony