DARE Festival brings a bold celebration of art & inclusivity back to Singapore

The event emphasises themes of self-discovery and community, while ensuring accessibility for all in its performances & accommodations

DARE Festival returns for its third year on November 13 at Singapore’s Gateway Theatre, uniting diverse talents to celebrate art, inclusivity, and resilience under the theme "Dare to Be".

This one-of-a-kind festival invites audiences on a transformative journey of self-discovery, performance, and storytelling, driven by the belief that art transcends all boundaries.

The line-up features some remarkable Singaporean artists, such as pop star shazza, acclaimed pianist Azariah Tan and this year’s headliner, jazz icon Jacintha.

Making a significant debut is Lily Goh, a prominent figure in Singapore’s Deaf community, whose performance adds an inclusive layer to the event's mission of bridging art and accessibility.

DARE Festival’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond the stage. Provisions are in place to ensure that members of the Deaf and visually impaired communities can fully participate, with Singapore Sign Language interpretation, captioning, and audio descriptions, as well as a calm room for patrons who may need a break during the performance.

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The 90-minute show unfolds in three acts, each exploring a different theme.

First act Dare to Be opens the performance with soulful and energetic pieces, setting the tone with performances like Andrea Hosking’s duet with the Cantare Children’s Choir, a dramatic performance by DADC (Diverse Abilities Dance Collective) and shazza’s lively collaboration with Sky Shen.

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Dare to Live then delves into living fully and authentically, with highlights including Jacintha’s tender rendition of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ complemented by Lily Goh’s expressive Deaf music and a genre-blending piece by Masia One and Annie Guzheng Angel.

The final act, Dare to Be-Live, will include a fusion of guzheng, poetry, and movement, plus a high-energy rock finale by Reverie, Azariah Tan, Annie Guzheng Angel and the Cantare Choir.

Purchase tickets to DARE Festival on November 13 here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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