#StoryWalk
The Civic District holds within its spaces a palimpsest of stories — layers upon layers of narratives that have accumulated over time, like rings in a tree trunk. Each building, each corner, each pathway holds memories of the many lives that have passed through.
When I first conceptualised Story Walk in 2023, I wanted to uncover these stories through three art benches. Now, as I bring Story Walk back for its second edition, I unfold the next chapter with three more benches, weaving a fuller tapestry of tales within this storied precinct, our historic heart.
From the contemporary curves of the Esplanade to the historic steps of the Asian Civilisations Museum, our storytellers will guide you through spaces where past and present converge. Each art bench becomes a pause point, a moment to gather and listen, much like how communities once gathered by the Singapore River to share stories of their journeys.
Between stone and water, past and present, our stories find their voice.
What excites me about this edition is how it completes our exploration of all six Benchmarks installations. These benches are not merely places to rest — they are portals that invite us to see our city differently. Through them, we discover how public art can transform familiar spaces into sites of wonder and connection.
Our journey culminates in a hands-on activity at The Arts House, where participants will create their own miniature garden sanctuaries. Using thoughtfully chosen natural materials — preserved moss, twigs gathered from our river’s edge, and slate stones that echo our historic architecture — each diorama becomes a meditation on our city’s relationship with nature. This creative response echoes how Singapore has grown, balancing urban development with natural heritage, even in the heart of our Civic District where nature continues to whisper its stories.
Story Walk 2025 is an invitation to experience the Civic District as a living, breathing narrative. It’s a reminder that while buildings may stand still, stories flow continuously, like the Singapore River that has witnessed it all, connecting generations and communities.
Listen closely to the whispers of the past, even as we carve new stories for tomorrow.
Kamini Ramachandran
Creative Producer
StoryFest 2025
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