*Straits Records (Straits) presents Singapura Biarlain 2011; Rumah Terbuka (Singapore Let it be an Alternative 2011; Open House), its fifth launch since it was inaugurated in 2005 at 43 Haji Lane, a small quiet street on the outskirts of Kampong Glam city area. The aforementioned launch neither signify an ascension of profit nor to boast its new series of products, but to stamp a statement of Straits’ 16th year entrepreneurial spirit: by championing local artistes and independent labels, its seemingly ‘stubborn-feat’ for maintaining its existence within the premise of Kampong Glam and the advent of a fundraising initiative to upgrade its space to facilitate more community-driven activities; gearing toward an inclusive and encompassing social space. Singapura Biarlain 2011; Rumah Terbuka, is not to be perceived in alignment to the state’s supported Singapore Biennale scheduled from 13th March to 15th May 2011, but to be recognized as an alternate representation (a would-be-comparative event between the ‘spectacle and sensational’ and the ‘modest and closer-at-heart’) of a similar theme with a much streamlined intent: inviting guests with an open heart and open arms to Straits’ yet to be upgraded ‘open’ space with artistic installations, interventions and activities. An event-based exhibition taking place from 19 March to 16 April 2011, Singapura Biarlain 2011; Rumah Terbuka features six contemporary Malays of various diverse interest, supporters of Straits, with a common aim: which is to develop the space into a facility that advocates knowledge and ‘encompassing art’. For a month, Singapura Biarlain 2011; Rumah Terbuka will accommodate guests with communal activities and presentations such as: • Cakap sini, Habis sini – Tak Habis Habis (Talk Here, Finished Here – Not Again…); a talk on the biting reality Straits Records and an artist went through by founder of Straits Records, Ridhwan and supporter, Zaki Razak • Upaint dan Ipaint (You paint and I paint); an ongoing mural painting sessions to be conducted on weekends by ARTVSTS and friends • Mystery Jam 12 (Midnight Mystery); a midnight-till-the-wee-hours-of-the-morning-sharing session on supernatural and paranormal experiences.
