Artbox Singapore

Bangkok’s most raved about creative market, Artbox, is in Singapore for two weekends – April 14–16 and 21–23.

DBS Bank is the title sponsor for the event, bringing the iconic event to Marina Bay for the first time. The local edition of Artbox featured a wide arena of entrepreneurs eager to share their product, craft and music.

“Well known for being the biggest hipster creative market in Bangkok, Artbox is a refreshing and exciting concept that brings together young entrepreneurs, giving them a platform to showcase their work. This being Artbox’s inaugural offshore foray, we’re thrilled as title sponsor to bring Artbox to the iconic Marina Bay for the first time. We hope that the activities in store will present to the public new and unique experiences that will enable them to participate in the endless possibilities of the Bay.” Shared Karen Ngui, Managing Director and Head of Group Strategic Marketing and Communications, DBS Bank.

I went on its opening day, Good Friday.

The rain was unfortunately crazy pouring at around 3pm when I arrived, but I braved the rain and was surprised to find how there were still so many people despite the rain. Kiasu, much?

I got wet in the rain, so after grabbing a Talad Drink (quite possibly one of the prettiest drinks I’ve ever seen), I walked into the mall to wait it out for a bit.

Eventually the rain let up, and I was able to go back and enjoy these sights:

I love the juxtaposition of the lit up Artbox sign against Marina Bay Sands – makes for a beautiful shot!

There were so many people that it was hard to take a shot without any random strangers in the background, but at least I still managed to snag that obligatory selfie with the ARTBOX signage!

We got a goodie bag filled with goodies curated from various social enterprises supported by the DBS Foundation.

Extra perks from title sponsor, DBS Bank:
✅ First 50 tertiary students (universities and polytechnics) per day to flash their student
passes and DBS/POSB cards at the DBS Live Fresh zone will get a special Artbox Singapore tote bag
✅ All DBS/POSB cardmembers have access to the DBS Live Fresh zone – a super chill zone to hang out with your friends amidst the hustle and bustle
✅ DBS is also running a Facebook contest to give out Artbox goodie bags with over S$30 worth of items in each bag.

There were lots of interesting products in the booths. One of the most popular products was the dragon’s breath, which I didn’t get to try because the queue was crazy long. There were just way too many people everywhere, we were like sardines. It was difficult to get from one booth to the next, or to even linger at any booth because doing so would cause a human traffic jam.

There were so many people, in fact, that it not just caused a human traffic jam, but a vehicular one as well. I took an uberpool to go home, and the driver asked me if I knew why there were so many people in MBS, which caused him to be stuck in traffic for 30 minutes. He said he thought there was a road accident, until he saw all the people in MBS. So I explained to him about Artbox, described what it was and what was in there, to which he said, “My girlfriend loves pretty things. I need to tell her about this.” Amazing how despite all that, he still wants to go! I guess you should just take the MRT if you do go, so as not to be stuck in traffic.

DBS also addressed the issue with the human traffic this weekend, apparently, by adding space for people to walk in. I didn’t go back but I read this on another instagram post.

Overall, it was an interesting experience, and though I hated the part where I got rained on and the crazy crowds, I was still glad to be a part of it because I had never been to Artbox Bangkok. I’m glad DBS brought it to Singapore!