Singapore is launching a new initiative called Poems on the MRT. This project is a collaboration between the National Arts Council, SMRT Trains, and Stellar Ace, and it is brought to life by Sing Lit Station. Starting on November 1, 2024, the MRT network will showcase Singaporean poetry, enhancing the daily commute for passengers.
Commuters can expect to see over 100 poems in English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil displayed on trains running along the East-West, North-South, and Circle Lines. Additionally, videos featuring local artists and poets will be shown in stations and trains.
Here are some highlights of the initiative:
Location: One train on the East-West Line and North-South Line
Date: Now through February 20, 2025
An eye-catching train wrap will turn one MRT train into a moving bookstore. This train will feature vibrant designs and local poetry that celebrate Singapore’s literary culture.
Location: Trains on the North-South, East-West, and Circle Lines
Date: Now through October 30, 2025
Short excerpts from over 100 Sing Lit poems in English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil will be displayed in trains. Poems in mother tongue languages will include English translations. Commuters can scan QR codes to access full poems and translations.
Location: Trains and stations on the East-West, North-South, and Circle Lines (excluding the concept train)
Date: Now through October 30, 2025
Engaging short videos will be available inside MRT trains and at stations. These will include interviews with local poets and two animated shorts by local artists, celebrating the culture of reading and literary appreciation.
Location: Sing Lit Station’s website, Facebook, and Instagram pages
Date: Now through December 31, 2024
Participants can download a digital bingo card, take photos of three poems displayed on MRT panels that fit the card’s categories, and upload their submissions via a Google Form. The first three complete submissions will win a Kobo reader preloaded with Sing Lit titles.
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