Chinatown Singapore: Best Things to Do, What to Do & Must-Do Art Activities for Tourists & Everyone!

Nanyang-style Art Experience - Art Exhibition & Workshops in Chinatown

event space & venue for hire in Singapore for Art exhibition, Visual Arts Centre Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio

Dhoby Ghaut Studio Exterior

Chinatown Art Studio Exterior

On one side, a tranquil art showcase where you can admire paintings, take photos, and slow down to savour the moment.
On the other, immersive art workshops where you can personally experience and connect with Nanyang culture in Singapore.

Learn and be immersed by the vibrant colours of Indonesian batik, the delicate beauty of Peranakan tile painting, and the elegance of Chinese ink and calligraphy. Perfect for all beginners that can easily get started, bringing creativity and culture home.

Here, viewing art is a pleasure, and creating art is healing. Discover a different Chinatown. Discover a different you.

1. Batik Painting on Tote Bag [$45nett/pax]

Join our Creative Batik Tote Bag Workshop! Learn traditional wax-resist techniques to design your own festive tote using vibrant motifs and colours. Perfect as a personalised gift or stylish accessory for the season. Beginner-friendly, relaxing, and meaningful—come create a beautiful Batik piece.

2. Batik Painting on Handkerchief [$45nett/pax]

In this 1-hour Batik Painting Workshop, participants will learn the history & evolution, techniques and explore batik art patterns.

Participants will be guided to draw inspiration from various Singapore elements — including traditional kampong houses, coconut trees, and modern landmarks such as the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and HDB flats. Every particpant will bring home their very own Batik Painting.

3. Nanyang-style Peranakan Tile Painting [$45nett/pax]

Participants will create their own hand-painted ceramic tile inspired by either Singapore motifs or Peranakan tile designs. In this 1.5 hour workshop, participants will learn the history of traditional Peranakan tiles and iconic Singapore landmarks – understanding colours, symbols, and architecture to reflect the nation’s cultural identity such as shophouses, the Merlion, tropical flora like orchids, and local patterns—  to develop their own unique tile design.

With individual guidance throughout by our instructors, each participant will complete a beautifully painted tile to take home

4. Botanical Postcard Design & Painting with Watercolour Illustration [$45nett/pax]

Celebrate the rich diversity of Singapore’s tropical flora and fauna while discovering the joy of watercolour painting in this immersive art workshop. Inspired by the lush greenery and vibrant botanical life that define Singapore as a true Garden City, participants will explore the delicate forms, colours, and textures of local plants and flowers.

Under the guidance of professional instructors, you will learn essential watercolour techniques such as brush control, colour layering, blending, and capturing light and transparency. Step by step, transform your inspiration into a beautifully painted art card — a personal creation you can proudly keep or gift to friends and family.

All art materials are fully provided, making this workshop suitable for beginners and art lovers alike. Enjoy a relaxing, creative journey that connects art, nature, and the spirit of Singapore.

5. Urban Sketching - Singapore Shophouse with Watercolour Painting [$45nett/pax]

Discover Singapore’s cityscape through art in our immersive Urban Landscape Sketching City Tour – Perfect for beginners to advanced learners.

This 2-hour workshop is guided by professional art instructors, participants will explore and learn about the history iconic locations such as Chinatown, and other tourist spots like CHIJMES, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay & more!  Thereafter, they will learn the basic skill set of urban sketching’s observation, perspective and line drawing techniques using using pencils, pens, and watercolour techniques.

Each participant will complete a sketch to take home as a unique souvenir.

6. Chinese Ink Painting & Calligraphy [$45nett/pax]

Take a peek into the Nanyang School of art and gain an understanding on how our pioneer artists came to Singapore and developed a unique Nanyang style of Chinese paintings. This is a workshop which introduces Chinese ink painting through teaching learners how to paint and compose tropical fruits, which is one of the most characteristic subject depicted by artists such as Georgette Chen, Liu Kang, Chen Chong Swee. 

Experience the beauty of Chinese calligraphy in this 1-hour workshop designed for beginners. Begin with an introduction to its rich history and cultural significance, followed by a hands-on session exploring the “Four Treasures of the Study” — brush, ink, paper, and ink stone. Learn proper brush handling, posture, and practise basic strokes in the Kai script (楷书), including writing your own name. The session concludes with a personal artwork — a meaningful phrase or couplet — showcasing your new skills. This workshop offers a thoughtful and artistic introduction to calligraphy as both a cultural tradition and expressive art form.

Create and take home your very own Chinese ink painting fruit painting.

7. Sculpture Making of Figurines [$45nett/pax]

Discover the art of sculpture in this 1-hour hands-on workshop, perfect for beginners. Participants will learn to sculpt their own animal figurine using oil-based clay — a versatile medium known for its smooth texture and ease of use. The workshop begins with an introduction to sculpting tools, materials, and processes, followed by warm-up exercises and guided practice of key techniques. Participants will then design, sculpt, and paint their own figurine, which they can bring home at the end of the session. 

8. Chinese Paper Cutting & Handicraft Making (Traditional) [$45nett/pax]

A Chinese Paper Cutting Workshop introduces participants to the beauty and symbolism of this traditional folk art. Guided by experienced instructors, participants learn fundamental folding and cutting techniques to create intricate patterns inspired by flowers, animals, auspicious characters, and festive motifs. The workshop explores the cultural meanings behind each design, especially those linked to celebrations such as Lunar New Year and weddings.

Through step-by-step demonstrations, participants develop precision, patience, and creativity while transforming simple red paper into delicate works of art. Suitable for beginners of all ages, the workshop offers a hands-on cultural experience that blends heritage with artistic expression. Each participant completes their own handcrafted paper-cut artwork to take home as a meaningful keepsake.

9. Traditional Drawing + AI Art Creation Experience [$45nett/pax]

Traditional Drawing + AI Art Creation Course

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10. Digital Drawing & Painting [$65nett/pax]

Be introduced to the exciting world of creating digital art using tablets and digital software. Designed for beginners and aspiring artists alike, the digital art drawing & painting workshop covers essential fundamentals such as sketching techniques, line control, layering, colour blending, lighting, and basic composition.

Participants learn how to use digital tools effectively — including brushes, layer modes, and shortcuts — while developing their own creative style.

With step-by-step guidance from professional instructors, students gain confidence in transforming ideas into polished digital artworks, from character illustrations to landscapes. The workshop combines technical skills with creative exploration, allowing participants to experiment freely without the fear of mistakes. Perfect for teens and adults, it offers a modern, versatile approach to art-making in today’s digital age.

11. Manga Drawing [$45nett/pax]

Introducing manga lovers to the exciting world of Japanese manga illustration through guided, hands-on practice. In this workshop, students learn the fundamentals of manga-style drawing, including character proportions, expressive facial features, dynamic poses, and iconic anime-inspired eyes. Participants are guided step by step, starting from basic sketching techniques to refining line work and adding personality to their characters.

The workshop also explores visual storytelling, helping students understand how emotions, movement, and style are communicated through manga art.

Suitable for beginners of all ages, no prior drawing experience is required. With professional guidance and a relaxed, creative atmosphere, participants gain confidence while developing their own unique manga characters—making the experience both educational and fun.

12. Marquage Leather/Notebook Painting [$65nett/pax]

marquage leather/notebook painting art workshop Visual Arts Centre

Marquage is a painting technique that allows you to create lasting personalisation for personal items like wallets, handbags, and sneakers. Whether made of PVC or genuine leather, marquage painting creates a unique, lasting design. In this hands-on 1 hour workshop, you’ll learn the basics of marquage painting and paint on personally personalised items like gift tags, creating a truly special gift for yourself or for friends and family.

Each two-hour workshop focuses on one of three rotating themes, with new classes launching monthly. Join us as we explore this unique art form and take home your own personalized creation.

13. Caricature Portrait Drawing [$45nett/pax]

caricature portrait drawing art workshop Visual Arts Centre

Caricature drawing is a creative form of portrait art that playfully exaggerates a person’s most distinctive features while still keeping them recognizable. Instead of focusing on strict realism, the artist highlights unique traits such as large eyes, a wide smile, prominent nose, or expressive hairstyle, enhancing them for humorous or dramatic effect. A successful caricature relies on strong observation skills, as the artist must capture both physical likeness and personality. Whether created in quick black-and-white sketches or detailed coloured illustrations, caricatures are lively and expressive. They are especially popular at events, festivals, and tourist spots, where live artists create fun, personalized portraits. Beyond humor, caricature drawing celebrates individuality, turning everyday faces into memorable and entertaining works of art. Explore caricature drawing of yourself and friends/family during the trip in Singapore, bring back a meaningful piece!

When you visit Singapore’s Chinatown, don’t just shop and eat! Check in at Visual Arts Centre: Art Experience Gallery, create something with your own hands, and bring home your artwork as a meaningful keepsake.

Our Location

Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio

Event space & venue for hire in Singapore for Art exhibition

Address:

10 Penang Road, #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green,
Singapore 238469

Exit from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station Exit B and turn left, we are there in 30m!

VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio

VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio

Address:

20B Mosque Street, Singapore (059500)
*2 minutes walk from Chinatown MRT Station Exit A

Take a left turn upon exiting the Chinatown MRT Station Exit A (Pagoda Street). Make a right turn at Bee Cheng Hiang store to go to Mosque Street. Finally, take a right at Mosque Street to walk to 20B Mosque Street.

Our Schedule

Registration & Fees

The art courses are available at both our Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio and Chinatown Art Studio, please choose your preferred location.

Certificate of completion will be provided for 96 sessions Art Course or 48 sessions & 10 sessions one-to-one Private Lesson.

Batik Painting on Tote Bag
$45
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-
Batik Painting on Handkerchief
$45
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-
Nanyang-style Peranakan Tile Painting
$45
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-
Botanical Postcard Design & Painting with Watercolour Illustration
$45
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-
Urban Sketching – Singapore Shophouse with Watercolour Painting
$45
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-
Chinese Ink Painting & Calligraphy
$45
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-
Sculpture Making of Figurines
$45
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-
Chinese Paper Cutting & Handicraft Making (Traditional)
$45
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & StudioVAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-
Traditional Drawing + AI Art Creation Experience
$45
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-
Digital Drawing & Painting
$65
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-
Manga Drawing
$45
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-
Marquage Leather/Notebook Painting
$65
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-
Caricature Portrait Drawing
$45
Location VAC Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio
Validity
-

All sessions are to be completed within the course duration stated. No refunds are provided for any courses/workshops/lesson purchased. Further extension of course validity of up to one month only may be provided with proof of overseas travel, hospitalization/medical certificate.

The course package(s) is/are valid within the stated date of registration. Each session under the adult and teenager course package is 2 hours 15 minutes. Visual Arts Centre reserves the right to reject/reschedule your lesson if you are late. Visual Arts Centre reserves the right to cancel/reschedule/postpone any course/session without prior notice. In the event that the course is unable to proceed due to unforeseen circumstances, a full refund of the fees will be provided. The registrant/guardian of the registrant indemnifies and holds Visual Arts Centre and/or its staff harmless from any losses sustained from any activity within the premises of Visual Arts Centre, including personal injury/loss or damages to property.

You will be redirected to the workshop registration page to fill in your enrolment details after you make payment. By clicking “Buy This Package”, you agree with our terms and conditions. Do note that there is no refund for signups.

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Enquiry Form - Art Courses

Our Professional Team

Visual Arts Centre professional team of event planning, art exhibition curation service

About Our Professional Team at Visual Arts Centre:

(Art educators | Venue & art exhibition event marketeer & planner | Art jamming, art workshops & activities planner & curator)

Since its establishment in 2016, the Visual Arts Centre has been an art education institution & art establishment supported by the Singapore Government. Our professional team & artists line-ups provide & customise services with art related courses, activities, exhibitions, tours & events.

Our Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio & Exhibition Gallery, conveniently located above Dhoby Ghaut MRT and nestled within the verdant Dhoby Ghaut Green Park, is a wonderful place for individuals: kids/teens/adults to improve art skills & techniques.

Within our Chinatown Art Gallery & Studio, we curate art exhibitions featuring local artists & their artworks. Providing platforms for public to appreciate art. Introducing local Nanyang-style art workshops & interesting art programmes with family friendly & tourist-friendly concepts. 

Contact Us for Enquiry about Professional Art Courses/ Art Workshops Programmes/ Art Exhibition:
WhatsApp/Call: 62550711 (Office) 
Email: info@visualartscentre.sg

Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage
Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”
World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]
A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.
Academy Drawing Traditions
The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.
Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy
This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.
Funk with Graffiti
Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.
Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.