Both Sides, Now

Both Sides, Now An arts-based community programme by ArtsWok Collaborative, on what living well and leaving well means to you. For more information, visit: www.bothsidesnow.sg

Dying is a natural part of life, but many of us are afraid to talk about it. What are our options if we want to die with dignity? Since 2013, Both Sides, Now has been developing spaces that encourage end-of-life conversations through arts practices and creative approaches. As a flagship programme of ArtsWok Collaborative, we work with and empower individuals, families and communities to explore, e

xpress, and enact what it means to live and leave well. How can we plan for the end, regardless of our age? How can we talk to our loved ones about our values and choices?

Calling all arts, community, and care practitioners ‼️ How do we move past our own internal barriers to facilitate the c...
10/04/2026

Calling all arts, community, and care practitioners ‼️

How do we move past our own internal barriers to facilitate the conversations that matter most?

Join “Navigating End-of-Life Conversations with Confidence” to become more adept at one of life's difficult conversations. Led by artist-facilitators Adib Kosnan and Michael Cheng, this arts-based workshop invites you to examine your own attitudes toward death and dying, and build an internal toolkit to handle these sensitive moments with clarity and intention.

Who is it for?
🏥 Care Practitioners: Wed, 8 or Fri, 10 July
🎨 Arts & Community Practitioners: Tue, 7 July

🕘 9am–6pm
📍 Aliwal Arts Centre
🎟️ Workshop fee from $280

SkillsFuture Credit eligible. Secure your spot by 8 Jun — https://artswok.org/professional-development/navigating-end-of-life-conversations-with-confidence/

The third run of “Piece of Mine” by ArtsWok Collaborative  with seniors from PCS @ Jalan Bukit Merah was a meaningful ex...
27/03/2026

The third run of “Piece of Mine” by ArtsWok Collaborative with seniors from PCS @ Jalan Bukit Merah was a meaningful exploration of memory, storytelling, and what we choose to leave behind. ✨

At the end of 8 weeks, the seniors reflected on their lives through objects that hold personal meaning, bringing them to life through puppetry and storytelling. Each one carried memories, relationships, and values shaped over time.

We’re grateful to Artist-Facilitator Jia Yi and volunteer workshop assistants Karen, Xin Rui, Lu, and Grace, for the openness and care they brought into the space. It’s been truly heartwarming to journey alongside this group!

PCS Cedar Tree Jalan Bukit Merah

The second run of “Piece of Mine” workshop series by ArtsWok with seniors from Lions Befrienders @ Tampines 494E was a m...
19/12/2025

The second run of “Piece of Mine” workshop series by ArtsWok with seniors from Lions Befrienders @ Tampines 494E was a meaningful exploration of life, legacy, and what matters most. ✨

Over the 8 weeks, quiet curiosity grew into heartfelt conversations and insightful discoveries. Supported by Artist-Facilitator Karen and volunteer workshop assistants Elsie, Xin Rui, and Ashley, the seniors explored end-of-life reflections by crafting plants inspired by their memories, stories, and values.

Their works formed a garden of imagination and meaning — each dome carrying the strength of lived experience. Many seniors found the courage to think more deeply about their wishes and felt better prepared to communicate these with their loved ones.

It’s been truly heartwarming to journey alongside this group, and we’re grateful for the heart and honesty they brought to every session!

If you’d like to catch “Float Free” + “Plan 75” but can’t make it next Saturday — don’t sweat!  You can still experience...
15/11/2024

If you’d like to catch “Float Free” + “Plan 75” but can’t make it next Saturday — don’t sweat! You can still experience the thought-provoking films at upcoming screenings on 7 & 15 December.

Presented in partnership with The Projector, part of the proceeds will go to supporting ArtsWok's programmes like BSN. Swing by the booth to say hi and check out the merch! 🙌

🎫 $16/ticket
📅 Sat, 7 Dec & Sun, 15 Dec
📍 The Projector at Cineleisure

Let’s inspire fresh connections and strengthen community bonds for lasting change! Get your tickets here – https://theprojector.sg/films-and-events/plan-75-x-artswok-collaborative-fundraiser-screening/



“Plan 75” still courtesy of Lighthouse Film Distribution

Step into a space where cinema meets community and conversation! 🎬💬 Join us at ArtsWok Collaborative's first-ever film s...
25/10/2024

Step into a space where cinema meets community and conversation! 🎬💬 Join us at ArtsWok Collaborative's first-ever film screening fundraiser!

Catch the short film “Float Free”, award-winning feature film “Plan 75”, and an engaging post-show dialogue on fostering meaningful community conversations in the afternoon!

Donate and reserve your seats!
📅 Sat, 23 Nov 2024
🕙 10.40am–1.00pm ($88/pax)
🕝 2.30pm–5.30pm ($188/pax, includes lunch reception from 1.00pm & post-show dialogue)
📍 Golden Village x The Projector at Cineleisure

Hear the thoughts and reflections of BSN at Yishun senior collaborators Chia Yim Fong, Michelle Sim, and Lead Artist Salty Xi Jie Ng at the afternoon screening post-show dialogue. Let’s discuss how we can encourage challenging, thoughtful conversations in our communities!

Reserve a seat now — https://give.asia/campaign/artswok-film-fundraiser-2024/


“Plan 75” stills courtesy of Lighthouse Film Distribution

Today, we celebrate and wish all the best to Angie, who leaves us as a valued member of our ArtsWok family to embark on ...
31/08/2024

Today, we celebrate and wish all the best to Angie, who leaves us as a valued member of our ArtsWok family to embark on her next chapter. Angie began her journey with Both Sides, Now in 2014 as a volunteer, rising to the role of volunteer manager in 2017. By 2018, she had joined as a programme manager for Both Sides, Now, and her passion and dedication over the past 7 years have left an indelible mark on our community 🌟

As a co-producer of three impactful public outreach festivals and several community engagement projects, Angie’s contributions have reached far and wide. She has rallied volunteers and the community with sincerity and passion, always bringing her honest opinions to our meetings. We cherish her welcoming and supportive nature, her mentorship to many, and the endless laughter she brought to our team. Her deep commitment to community work and Both Sides, Now continues to inspire us all.

Angie shares on her journey with us:
“My journey with ArtsWok has been one of immense growth, learning, and meaningful engagements. I've had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, passionate, and insightful individuals — artists, creative team members, and volunteers. It has been such an honour to work on different editions of Both Sides, Now, seeing how each engagement has touched lives and sparked important conversations in our communities, and hearing the candid, vulnerable sharings from community members. I have gained so much professionally and personally! These experiences will forever hold a special place in my heart. (Thank you for your guidance Su-Lin and Heng Leun!)

A big thank you to the amazing ArtsWok team for the support and friendship over the years. I look forward to seeing new BSN projects and the other exciting programmes that will emerge from ArtsWok.

Keep WOK-ing, everyone!”

We part (for now) with gratitude for the memories, countless laughs, and hard work Angie has shared with us. We will miss her warmth but are excited for her adventures ahead.

Angie, thank you for everything. Your impact on ArtsWok and Both Sides, Now will be felt for years to come.

Eager to find out more on how the senior collaborators have broadened their perspectives on life, death, and art? 🎨Sink ...
27/08/2024

Eager to find out more on how the senior collaborators have broadened their perspectives on life, death, and art? 🎨

Sink into “Of Miracles and Everything as Art”, the latest project journal post featuring their heartfelt reflections! Lead Artist Salty Xi Jie Ng has collated their heartfelt reflections on the wonders, joys, and revelations the seniors have encountered throughout their year-long creative journey. Read it here — https://artswok.org/library/of-miracles-and-everything-as-art

Help us keep these inspiring journeys going! Give to Both Sides, Now today to build more supportive communities that live well, and leave well — https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/bothsidesnowsg

Salty Thunder

"It’s so helpful to know you're not alone thinking about topics like this. I’m very touched that us seniors and the youn...
23/08/2024

"It’s so helpful to know you're not alone thinking about topics like this. I’m very touched that us seniors and the young ones have this opportunity to learn about it. This project allowed me to imagine how I want my funeral to be... my artwork made people think about themselves, their family, and why it’s good to plan."

Your donation enables more people like Shirley to uncover meaningful reflections through creativity! Help us extend the transformative power of the arts to encourage end-of-life planning.

Give to Both Sides, Now today – https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/bothsidesnowsg

“Because of this project [and its intergenerational elements], I got to know gracious young people, like the artists, BS...
20/08/2024

“Because of this project [and its intergenerational elements], I got to know gracious young people, like the artists, BSN volunteers and exhibition visitors, who showed me love, care, and concern. It became a channel to receive help from younger people… a conduit for connection.”

Your support provides opportunities for people like Yim Fong to embark on journeys of compassion, creativity, and connection. Together, we can foster diverse communities that advocate living well, and leaving well.

Support us in extending the reach of Both Sides, Now here — https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/bothsidesnowsg

“I discovered I have inner talents [as it was my] first time making sculptures… I [felt] honoured to display them... in ...
13/08/2024

“I discovered I have inner talents [as it was my] first time making sculptures… I [felt] honoured to display them... in a prominent area. I've gained confidence in… expressing my views in public, and giving tours." - Agnes Tan

Encourage individuals like Agnes to explore their untapped potential and express themselves creatively! Your contribution will spark transformative conversations on living well, and leaving well in more communities.

Support Both Sides, Now here — https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/bothsidesnowsg

Embark on Assistant Artist Stacy Huang's intriguing journey of getting to know the Wellness Kampung community! Learn how...
05/07/2024

Embark on Assistant Artist Stacy Huang's intriguing journey of getting to know the Wellness Kampung community! Learn how socially engaged artists blend into communities to form genuine relationships that last. ⭐

Read the full project journal post here – https://artswok.org/library/belonging-in-between/

Stacy Huang

Eager to rewatch “Float Free” and “Recollection”? Good news! The short films are now available to watch on our website. ...
21/06/2024

Eager to rewatch “Float Free” and “Recollection”? Good news! The short films are now available to watch on our website. 🎬 ✨

Dive headfirst into "Float Free" with senior collaborators Chia Yim Fong, Koh Tong Cheng and Michelle Sim as they discover the freedom learning how to swim brings. In "Recollection", Michelle Sim ponders how to live and leave well in a collection of poignant reflections on end-of-life choices.

Come and experience the ebbs and flows of life captured in the community creations of “tides” here – https://bothsidesnow.sg/wellness-kampung-765-nee-soon/ -creations. Keep these end-of-life conversations going by supporting us with a donation at https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/bothsidesnowsg.

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