Embark on an extraordinary artistic journey as ARTBOX EVERYDAY, Asia’s largest creative festival, makes its highly anticipated return in 2025 with its most expansive edition yet! Taking place over two exciting weekends, from January 17–19 and 24–26, this vibrant festival will bring together over 600 food and retail vendors from Singapore, Thailand, Korea, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Singapore Expo Hall 4 will be transformed into a dynamic hub of creativity, culture, and entertainment, offering an unforgettable experience for all.
Our editorial team spoke to Kent Teo, Founder and CEO of Invade, who shared insights into the rise of experiential festivals like ARTBOX in Asia, driven by a growing demand for immersive experiences that blend art, commerce, and entertainment. He highlighted how ARTBOX leads this trend by fostering creative expression and community-driven activities, measuring success through meaningful local engagement. Kent also discussed the future of creative entrepreneurship, emphasising the importance of initiatives like Trade Day, which provide networking opportunities, mentorship, and a platform to address challenges faced by creative entrepreneurs across Asia. Read on to find out more.
Interview with Kent Teo, Founder and CEO of Invade
1. Experiential festivals are becoming increasingly popular across Asia. What do you think is driving this trend, and how ARTBOX is leading this trend by blending art, commerce, and entertainment in immersive ways?
Kent Teo:
● As Asia becomes increasingly interconnected, we noticed that there is a growing demand for festivals that fuse diverse cultural elements, creating unique and memorable experiences. Younger generations, prioritising experiences over material possessions, are drawn to these festivals for their immersive environments that offer interactive engagements with art, music, food, and culture. Moreover, the visually striking and interactive nature of experiential festivals makes them highly shareable on social media platforms, driving their popularity and encouraging more events of this nature.
● With this year marking our sixth edition, ARTBOX has been at the forefront of this trend, continuously pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and redefining what an experiential creative festival can be. What sets ARTBOX apart is its seamless fusion of art, commerce, and entertainment, creating a vibrant, multi-sensory experience that resonates with a diverse audience. Beyond offering a unique marketplace, we provide a platform for the next generation of creatives, empowering them to showcase their talents through creative workshops, community-driven initiatives, and dynamic live performances.
● For example, we have appointed PHUNK to be our official art partner seamlessly integrating their artwork into our programming and large format inflatables. Furthermore, with the aim to support the creative economy, we are looking to showcase retailing merchandise from over 30 local artists at Artbox’s first-ever convenience store. Lastly, for the first time, we’ve elevated our usual media day into Artbox Trade Day, designed to inspire the next generation of creatives through panel discussions, breakout sessions, and flash mentoring led by our organisational leaders and content creators.
● By embracing this trend and constantly evolving our offerings, we hope that ARTBOX will lead the way in shaping the future of experiential festivals in Asia. Furthermore, our goal is to be the catalyst for creativity, promoting community-building and cross-cultural exchanges, and inspiring the next generation of creative entrepreneurs and festival-goers alike.
2. ARTBOX EVERYDAY 2025 is set to be the largest edition yet, what are the key highlights and unique experiences visitors should look out for this year?
Kent Teo:
● ARTBOX EVERYDAY 2025 promises several key highlights, including:
○ ARTBOX Express Shuttle Service: Visitors can catch a ride on our colourful buses featuring artistic designs by Chang and PacificLight, providing a creative commute from central Singapore to the Expo.
○ First-Ever Trade Day: Our newest addition aims to foster collaboration between local businesses, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders through panel discussions, Creative Mic sessions, flash mentoring, and live performances by prominent figures such as Dr. Jason Leong, Maxi Lim, and Adrian Ang.
○ Aliwal Chess Club: This unique collaboration brings together 32 local and regional artists who have transformed large chess pieces with intricate hand-drawn designs. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive chess activities and shop for exclusive artist merchandise at the ARTBOX Convenience Store, blending creativity with community interaction.
○ Mini Box: Our inaugural children’s enrichment center, hosted by The Creative Nook, will offer a variety of workshops such as storytelling, music, crafts, and t-shirt doodling, designed to keep the little ones entertained.
○ Open-Mic Extravaganza: Visitors are invited to take the stage and sing with Teo Heng’s state-of-the-art karaoke systems worth $16,000.
○ Unlock Goodness with SōngHè: Visitors can try their luck with surprise boxes that contain exciting rewards such as rice donations to Food from the Heart, cash prizes, and exclusive merchandise, blending fun with a meaningful cause.
○ The Great Singapore Give: Visitors can contribute to a great cause by taking part in the blood donation drive hosted by organisation such as the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre and the Singapore Red Cross (SRC)
● With a 50% increase in vendors this year, visitors can look forward to over 90 food and beverage stores featuring a wide variety of local and international flavours and over 190 retail outlets offering unique crafts and souvenirs.
3. ARTBOX is known for its seamless blend of art, commerce, and entertainment. How do you curate these elements to ensure they resonate with a diverse audience and keep the festival experience fresh?
Kent Teo:
● At ARTBOX, we are committed to curating a rich and inclusive experience by integrating diverse cultural influences and collaborating with distinguished local and regional artists.
● A prime example of this collaboration is Aliwal Chess Club’s partnership with 32 local and regional artists who have transformed larger-than-life chess pieces with hand-drawn designs. This unique blend of art and strategy allows visitors to engage in interactive chess activities, turning a traditional game into a vibrant artistic experience. This collaboration extends to the ARTBOX Convenience Store, where attendees can purchase exclusive merchandise of these 32 artists, further enriching their festival experience.
● A notable addition this year is the Mini Box, our inaugural children’s enrichment center, hosted by The Creative Nook. This center provides a variety of creative workshops, including storytelling, music, rainbow crafts, and t-shirt doodling, designed to inspire and engage young minds in artistic exploration.
● By introducing innovative features such as the Mini Box, alongside fresh concepts like ARTBOX Express and Trade Day, we want to ensure that ARTBOX’s offerings remain vibrant and appealing to a diverse audience. These initiatives not only broaden the festival’s appeal to families but also foster creativity and learning among younger visitors. The continuous evolution of ARTBOX’s programming keeps the festival relevant and engaging, offering novel experiences with each edition. Our dedication to innovation and inclusivity solidifies ARTBOX’s position as a leading experiential festival in the region.
4. ARTBOX EVERYDAY focuses on community-driven activities and creative expression, and how do you measure the success of these initiatives in fostering meaningful engagement within local communities?
Kent Teo:
● Firstly, we can measure the success of community-driven activities and creative expression initiatives at ARTBOX through several key factors. First and foremost is visitor engagement—how many people are participating in our activities, such as the ARTBOX Express and workshops. Seeing attendees actively involved is a clear indicator that our initiatives are resonating with them.
● Feedback and participation also play a crucial role. We gather insights from attendees through surveys and direct conversations to understand their experiences and perspectives. Positive feedback and high participation levels show that we’re fostering the kind of community connections and creative expression we aim for.
● Ultimately, these initiatives are at the heart of ARTBOX’s mission to make art accessible and relevant to all generations. By staying attuned to how our community engages with and responds to our programs, we can ensure that we’re achieving this mission and continually improving the festival experience.
5. Trade Day is a new addition to ARTBOX. How does this platform empower entrepreneurs and businesses, and what role do you see it playing in the future of creative entrepreneurship in Asia?
Kent Teo:
● Trade Day, introduced for the first time at this year’s ARTBOX, is designed to empower young entrepreneurs, artists, and business owners by providing a platform for meaningful engagement within the creative economy. We aim to foster connections between creatives and industry leaders, offering valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and gain insights that drive business growth and creative innovation.
● Our event features a range of initiatives that focus on both knowledge-sharing and talent development. One key highlight is the Special Creative Mic, a series of short sessions where youths can hear firsthand accounts from industry veterans about their career journeys, the challenges they faced in the creative industry, and the experiences that shaped their success. These personal stories provide practical insights and inspiration for those looking to carve out their own paths in the creative sector.
● We’re also excited to introduce Headline Acts such as Dr Jason Leong and Priscilla Abby, which offer a platform for local artists to showcase their talents, and Flash Mentoring sessions, where participants can engage in quick, impactful conversations with seasoned professionals to gain advice and guidance. Additionally, we will also be bringing in key panelists led by prominent leaders and influencers who will talk about topics related to entrepreneurship, leadership and creative growth.
● Our goal with Trade Day is to ultimately create a dynamic space for creatives to connect, collaborate, and innovate. By fostering interactions between young talents and industry leaders, we encourage knowledge-sharing and co-creation. We see Trade Day shaping the future of creative entrepreneurship in Asia by empowering the next generation of leaders and driving sustainable growth in the region’s creative economy.
6. ARTBOX EVERYDAY offers a range of family-friendly activities, including the first children’s enrichment center, hosted by The Creative Nook. What can families and children expect from these experiences at the festival, and how do they contribute to fostering creativity and bonding for younger visitors?
Kent Teo:
● For the first time, ARTBOX EVERYDAY introduces a unique children’s enrichment center, Mini Box, hosted by The Creative Nook, offering a variety of workshops and activities designed to inspire creativity and spark imagination in young minds. Aligned with ARTBOX’s mission to make art accessible and relevant to all generations, Mini Box provides a platform for the next generation to explore their creativity through hands-on, engaging experiences.
● Families and children can look forward to hourly classes throughout the day, covering activities such as storytelling, music & movement, rainbow crafts, t-shirt doodling, and more. These interactive sessions combine fun and artistic discovery, encouraging self-expression while helping children develop important cognitive and social skills.
● Beyond creative learning, Mini Box offers families a shared experience that fosters bonding and meaningful connections. By engaging in artistic activities together, parents and children can create lasting memories, making ARTBOX a perfect destination for family-friendly fun.
7. Do you have any personal favourite activities and or attractions at ARTBOX EVERYDAY that you are particularly excited about this year?
Kent Teo:
● One of my personal favourites at ARTBOX EVERYDAY this year is the ARTBOX Bus Stop. I love how the implementation of transforming something as ordinary as a commute can be turned into an artistic and immersive experience. With the ARTBOX Express shuttle, visitors get to board a creatively themed bus featuring takeovers by Chang Beer and PacificLight, making even the journey to the event an exciting part of the festival. The addition of live performances and interactive displays at the Bus Stop also makes it a vibrant and engaging space, setting the mood for what’s to come at ARTBOX.
● Another highlight would be introducing Trade Day to ARTBOX this year. We have created this platform to bring together entrepreneurs, artists, and business leaders to exchange insights, spark collaborations, and drive innovation in the creative economy. I believe this will play a huge role in empowering creative talents and building a more interconnected ecosystem for creatives across the region.
8. As ARTBOX continues to grow, what are your aspirations for the festival in the next 5–10 years? Are there plans to expand into new regions, incorporate emerging technologies, or introduce groundbreaking concepts to elevate the festival experience further?
Kent Teo:
● For now, we do have plans in the pipeline to expand ARTBOX into new regions across Asia and beyond. We want to continue to create a platform that not only showcases local and regional talents but also celebrates the diversity of creative expressions from across the world.
● While we are unable to share further details on the concepts in the coming years, we are looking at introducing more community-driven initiatives through tech-enabled functions to make art more accessible to the wider community; whether it is through social impact products or dedicated platforms for young entrepreneurs or creators, our goal is to remain a catalyst for growth within the creative community.
Mark your calendar! Visit ARTBOX EVERYDAY 2025, Asia’s largest creative festival, from January 17–19 and 24–26 at Singapore Expo Hall 4. With over 600 food and retail vendors from Singapore, Thailand, Korea, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, alongside immersive artistic installations, workshops, and performances, this year’s edition promises an unforgettable celebration of creativity, culture, and community. Don’t miss highlights like the first-ever Trade Day, Mini Box for children, and collaborations with renowned artists, making it a must-visit event for all ages.
ARTBOX EVERYDAY: Special Giveaway
Attendees will also have the opportunity to win an electric vehicle valued at over SGD 90,000** in partnership with Volt Auto Pte. Ltd. This initiative highlights a shared dedication to sustainability and innovation, inspiring conversations on sustainable living and showcasing the seamless connection between art and mobility.
Tickets can be purchased from ARTBOX EVERYDAY’s Official Ticketing Partner – Trip.com:
Walk-in Price (16 January till end of Artbox Singapore 2025)
Weekday: S$7 per single general entry
Weekend: S$8 per single general entry
Trade Day passes are priced at $100 each, and grants access to ARTBOX for the entire duration of the festival.
*Single-trip tickets from *SCAPE to Singapore Expo is available for S$0.50. Meanwhile, ARTBOX Express offers complimentary rides for all ticket holders from Singapore Expo to *SCAPE, with limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis according to scheduled timeslots.
Prices listed above exclude booking fees. For more information and ticket purchases, please visit https://www.artbox.sg/
