This August, Tanjong Pagar comes to life with Arts in the Alley: Walks of Life, a two-day festival of arts and heritage curated by 8M Real Estate. Held on 16 and 17 August 2025 and in celebration of SG60, Arts in the Alley invites the public on an exploratory journey through culture, community and the quieter corners of Singapore’s urban fabric.

The event will be graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Foo Cexiang, Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC, together with Mr Tony Soh, Chief Executive Officer of the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), and Ms Pearlyn Tseng, Director of Communications at National Council of Social Service (NCSS).

Officially supported by National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the festival reflects a shared commitment to doing good, fostering community spirit, and reimagining urban spaces, a fitting tribute to Singapore’s heritage and to 8M’s corporate purpose in this milestone year.

“Businesses have a critical role to play in enriching the communities they are a part of. 8M Real Estate, a recognised Company of Good, demonstrates how corporate networks can be meaningfully mobilised for social good through initiatives like Arts in the Alley. By celebrating creativity, heritage, and culture, it creates a shared experience that not only enlivens spaces but also brings people together. It’s a compelling example of how Corporate Purpose can be embedded in placemaking, and we at NVPC remain committed to partnering with organisations to foster positive and lasting societal impact in Singapore.” said Ms Lin Sufei, Director, Corporate Industry & Partnerships, NVPC.

8M’s three iconic properties — 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, Ann Siang House and KēSa House, will each transform into vibrant hubs of discovery throughout the weekend. Visitors can look forward to a multi-sensory experience that entails immersive art, shadow puppetry performance, scriptwriting and acting masterclasses, live poetry, rooftop coffee rave and heritage stories.

The event will also feature specially commissioned works, including the unveiling of The Alley’s Keeper, a mural installation in the back alley of 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, by local creative FACTORY, fronted by a whimsical cat mascot which pays tribute to the quiet observers of Singapore’s changing streetscapes.

As part of efforts to amplify the event experience, 8M has brought together its tenants to craft exclusive menus inspired by the Singaporean palate. From beef rendang and Asian chicken tacos by Papi’s Tacos to bak kwa bomba and bak kut teh paella by Olivia as well as chilli crab malakoff and lemon ginger cheese fondue by Coucou, these limited-time creations reflect a shared commitment to local flavour and creativity. Amongst others, Vinflow, helmed by naturalised Singaporean entrepreneurs, joins the celebration with a complimentary glass of wine for guests and a lucky draw, proudly participating in this tribute to community and culture.

To tie the experience together, visitors will also receive a special Artisan’s Kit— a playful nod to the various professions and trades that have lived and walked along Tanjong Pagar Road. As visitors journey across the three anchor sites, they will collect stamps, uncover heritage trivia, and complete light-hearted tasks inspired by each location’s history and character. Those who complete the trail can look forward to redeeming surprise keepsakes. The Kit is a quiet invitation that encourages visitors to linger and to see the city differently, one alley at a time.

As the financier for 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, UOB has long been a partner in bringing 8M Real Estate’s vision for vibrant, community-centric spaces to life. In support of this meaningful initiative, UOB is also working with 8M Real Estate and SG Cares Volunteer Centre at Kreta Ayer to host a special visit for children from a designated charitable organisation. The initiative aims to make the arts more accessible, giving young participants the opportunity to explore the installations and experiences curated across the alleyways.

“We are proud to support our longstanding client, 8M Real Estate, in their efforts to revitalise heritage spaces and foster community through the arts. As the financier of the Tanjong Pagar property where this initiative is taking place, it holds special significance for us to see the space activated in such a meaningful way,” said Mr Albert Lim, Executive Director of Group Corporate Banking at UOB. “This collaboration reflects our CSR commitment to art, children, and education — particularly through the special visit being organised for children, giving them the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the installations. It is a powerful example of how partnerships can create lasting impact.”

In conjunction with Singapore’s 60th year of independence, 8M Real Estate is rallying public support to raise S$60,000 for Community Chest through SGSHARE, the official national giving initiative for SG60. A seed donation of S$4,000 has been pledged to kickstart the campaign. All proceeds from ticketing and workshop participation will go towards supporting meaningful community causes, allowing visitors to give back while experiencing the heart of the neighbourhood in new and creative ways.

“We are grateful to have 8M Real Estate partner with us through SGSHARE to support over 200 critical social service programmes. Under the SG60 Gives matching grant, their giving will be matched dollar-for-dollar, amplifying their impact. We hope this partnership inspires more businesses to join our journey toward a caring and inclusive Singapore.” said Mr Jack Lim, Managing Director, Community Chest.

Tickets are priced at S$10 for adults and S$5 for children via Klook. It includes an artistic tote bag specially designed for the event, and offerings from participating tenants. Optional add-ons are applicable for scriptwriting and acting masterclass, as well as puppetry and coffee rave performances at S$10 per activity. Walk-ins are welcome via QR code registration on-site, though all payments will be cashless.

“Arts in the Alley is our way of breathing new life into the often overlooked corners of our city that hold so much history and character,” said Ms Jovin Ong, Executive Director, Human Resource and Communications at 8M Real Estate. “At 8M, we see underutilised spaces as opportunities – beyond just form and function, they serve as platforms for creativity, heritage and meaningful connections. Through initiatives like this, we hope to push boundaries and inspire people to reimagine how these spaces can bring communities together and create shared stories that transcend traditional uses.”

Arts in the Alley: Walks of Life runs from 16th to 17th August 2025, from 2-6pm, at Ann Siang House, 21 Tanjong Pagar Road, KēSa House. Tickets available from KLOOK.

Full schedule as follows: