Art takes centre stage at Tanjong Pagar Distripark this August and September as UOB launches UOB Artbeat, its inaugural art festival designed to make art more accessible, engaging and interactive for the wider community.

Held across two weekends from 29 August to 6 September 2026 at Artspace@Helutrans, the festival will bring together emerging artists, artworks from the UOB Art Collection and hands-on experiences that invite visitors to look at art from new perspectives.

Among the highlights is the 2026 UOB Painting of the Year (POY) Emerging Artists Finalists Showcase, which for the first time will give members of the public the opportunity to view works by shortlisted finalists in the Emerging Artist category. The showcase extends the spotlight beyond the competition’s winners, giving more emerging artists a platform to share their work, build visibility and connect with audiences.

Visitors can also explore selected works from the UOB Art Collection, including pieces by Cultural Medallion recipient and winner of the inaugural UOB POY competition in 1982, Goh Beng Kwan. Alongside the artworks, a series of interactive conservation workshops will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how art is cared for and preserved for future generations.

UOB Artbeat will also open with Art After Hours on 29 August, a signature programme of Singapore Gallery Month 2026 organised by the Art Galleries Association Singapore (AGAS). Galleries across Tanjong Pagar Distripark will stay open into the evening, giving visitors the chance to explore the precinct and take part in a range of art experiences and fringe activities.

“Art has the power to inspire, connect and enrich lives of everyone in our community. UOB Artbeat creates a new opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their work and connect with wider audiences. At the same time, it invites the community to discover the many facets of art – from creation and conservation, to the stories behind the works and artists themselves,” said Ms Janet Young, Head of Group Channels and Digitalisation and Strategic Communications and Brand, UOB. “Together with the UOB Painting of the Year competition, UOB Artbeat reflects our long-standing commitment to nurturing artistic talent and fostering a deeper appreciation for art.”

The 2026 UOB Painting of the Year Emerging Artists Finalists Showcase will feature a selection of works by finalists in the Emerging Artist category of the 45th UOB Painting of the Year competition.

The showcase marks the first time shortlisted finalists will have the opportunity to present their work to the public as part of a dedicated exhibition. Beyond recognising their creative achievements, the initiative gives emerging artists greater exposure and a chance to engage directly with new audiences.

It is also an extension of UOB’s long-standing support for artistic talent, broadening the platform provided through the annual UOB Painting of the Year competition to include more artists at an early stage of their careers.

For those curious about what lies beneath the surface of an artwork, UOB Art Collection: Beyond the Canvas offers an opportunity to look closer.

Developed by Singapore-based art conservation studio BARC Labs, headed by Dr Diana Tay, the immersive showcase features 12 selected works from the UOB Art Collection. Rather than simply viewing the finished pieces, visitors can explore the materials, techniques and creative processes behind them, offering a closer look at how artists push the boundaries of traditional art-making.

Five of the featured works are by Goh Beng Kwan, including The Dune, his winning work from the inaugural UOB Painting of the Year competition in 1982. The presentation offers a rare opportunity to view works by the Cultural Medallion recipient from the UOB Art Collection while learning more about his artistic journey and creative process.

The remaining seven works include past UOB POY winning artworks by artists such as David Chan, Ho Tzu Nyen and Yong Wee Loon.

Art isn’t just about creation, and preserving it is an art in itself. To deepen public understanding of conservation and its role in protecting cultural heritage, UOB has commissioned BARC Labs to conduct two interactive workshops during the festival.

Filling In The Blanks introduces participants to basic techniques used by professional conservators to repair areas of paint loss, while Hidden Images: Discovering Art Through Infrared explores how infrared imaging can reveal details hidden beneath the surface of artworks. Participants will also get to create their own hidden-message artwork.

Through these hands-on sessions, visitors can gain a better appreciation of the often unseen work that goes into caring for artworks and ensuring they can be enjoyed by generations to come.

UOB Artbeat will kick off on 29 August as part of Art After Hours, bringing an added buzz to Tanjong Pagar Distripark.

Participating galleries across the precinct will extend their opening hours into the evening, with UOB Artbeat serving as one of the programme’s highlights. Visitors can enjoy extended viewing hours for both the Emerging Artists Finalists Showcase and the UOB Art Collection exhibition before exploring the wider gallery district.

A special Art Passport initiative will encourage visitors to discover more of the precinct. Those who complete designated activities can redeem photos from an instant photo booth as well as UOB art merchandise.

The first 50 visitors to complete their passports will also receive complimentary entry to a Flowerscape floral-arrangement workshop on the same day, conducted by Hullabaloo Studio, a social enterprise supporting the livelihoods of artists with disabilities.

With its mix of exhibitions, artist showcases and participatory experiences, UOB Artbeat offers an approachable way to spend a weekend immersed in art, whether you’re a seasoned collector, an aspiring artist or simply curious to see what is happening in Singapore’s creative scene.

UOB Artbeat takes place at Artspace@Helutrans, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Road, #01-05, Singapore 089065.

It runs on 29–30 August 2026 (Saturday and Sunday) and 4–6 September 2026 (Friday to Sunday).

Opening hours:
29 August: 11am–9pm, including Art After Hours
30 August and 4–6 September: 11am–6pm

More information and workshop registration are available via UOB Artbeat