In the face of climate change, how can we imagine a more hopeful world for our future? Since 2015, this has been a question at the heart of The Conscious Festival in Singapore, which has taken on a different shape year on year. With each iteration, an extensive line-up unfolds: from various talks and workshops featuring renowned speakers and thought leaders to a conscious marketplace that consistently draws a crowd.
All this in an effort to push the envelope while exploring creative, forward-thinking solutions to sustainable living as we face an uncertain future. The festival itself has evolved alongside its guiding ethos; take last year’s iteration for example, themed ‘A festival for our future, nature’ it was all plant-based, carbon-negative and almost zero waste.
“We have the technology and know-how to live more sustainably and harmoniously on this planet, but we need to ignite our collective will to do so,” shares Sean Lee Davies, artist, activist and CEO of Green Is The New Black and The Conscious Festival x i Light Singapore.
It only makes sense then, that for 2024, the festival is teaming up with i Light Singapore to give life to The Conscious Concert, an immersive event that melds the theatrical soundscapes of London’s Natural Symphony with the fascinating work of visionary sound and light artist Joey Dean. “We use awe, music, art and wonder to bring our communities together so that we can co-create a better future for all,” Davies adds.
Another notable highlight of this year’s festival? The Conscious Festival x i Light Singapore presents ‘Fashion—Beyond the Trend’, an entire afternoon carved out for conversations with renowned visionaries and thought leaders in the industry, all to answer the question: could a conscious fashion industry ever truly exist? With The Conscious Festival x i Light Singapore unveiling itself over the next three weekends, these are some of the most exciting talks, workshops and activities you can look forward to.
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From Linearity to Circularity—Narrative Shifts
At the core of a sustainable fashion industry lies the need to shift from the typical linear model to a circular one. The latter removes the idea of waste—instead our wardrobes are given a new lease of life through ideas that have become more commonplace as of late, such as clothes-swapping, upcycling or thrifting. To navigate this particular concept, a panel featuring some recognisable names—who have been leading the charge for a more sustainable fashion scene in Singapore—will be held as part of ‘Fashion—Beyond The Trend’. Look forward to hearing from Susannah Jaffer, the CEO behind sustainable marketplace Zerrin, Raena Lim of Style Theory and conscious clothing brand Sui’s Mahima Gujral.
Sunday, 2 June 2024 | Arcc Spaces, One Marina Boulevard | Sign up here.
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Let’s Talk About How We Talk About Climate Change
The movement to combat climate change and its unforgiving effects is complex, but for Qiyun Woo, it doesn’t always have to be. The infectious force behind @theweirdandwild, her simplified explanations via vibrant and appealing visuals of what exactly is happening to the world have long been recognised for their easy, digestible formats. It makes perfect sense for her dedicated chat, ‘Citizen Revolution’, to put conscious communication about climate change at its centre—illuminating ways for us to become global citizens who are actively working towards a more sustainable and interconnected future.
Sunday, 8 June 2024 | NTUC Centre, One Marina Boulevard | Sign up here.
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Weaving Climate, Craft and Culture
Aditi Mayer has carved out a name for herself over the years as a visual storyteller and sustainable fashion activist, having furthered conversations regarding the politics of labour and how the industry needs to work towards conscious consumerism. As part of ‘Fashion—Beyond The Trend’, Mayer will helm ‘Weaving Climate, Craft and Culture’ for a pertinent discussion on whether the very idea of a ‘conscious fashion industry’ could truly ever exist.
Sunday, 2 June 2024 | Arcc Spaces, One Marina Boulevard | Sign up here.
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Is A Closed Loop Food System Possible?
Another key topic that constantly emerges in the face of climate change: food sustainability and the future of our Earth’s biodiversity. As part of the ‘What if The Future Was Regenerative’ umbrella, the idea of a circular food economy is called into question with ‘Is A Closed Loop Food System Possible?’. Here, a panel consisting of some distinctive names such as culinary anthropologist and founder of SG Seedxchange Nithiya Laila and Native’s Vijay Mudaliar will be sharing their own insights on the current state of the food industry.
Sunday, 9 June 2024 | NTUC Centre, One Marina Boulevard | Sign up here.
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Are You Breathing, Really? A Cyclical Breath Experience
Ignite the senses and reconnect with the five elements of nature: earth, fire, water, air and space. In a transformative theta-led experience led by Suraya, the co-creator of House of Ascend, you will be guided through signature ritual practices that combine aromatherapy, somatic movements, yoga nidra, breathwork and gong therapy. Expect 90 minutes of calming, soothing energy, from which you’ll emerge feeling reinvigorated and rejuvenated.
Sunday, 9 June 2024 | 5:30 to 7 PM | Lower Promenade, Marina Bay Sands | Sign up here.
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Marketplace
Nothing gets the buzz going at a festival quite like a local market and The Conscious Festival x i Light Singapore’s marketplace is no different. With an array of local and regional artisans who are committed to sustainable, ethical or conscious practices in their own ways, the best part is knowing that you’ll be able to walk home guilt-free. From Miseico, which offers vegan, cruelty-free skincare to Wild About, a homegrown athleisure brand that designs ethically-handmade pieces, the variety of vendors run the gamut. There’s even the opportunity to get semi-permanent tattoos done, as Heycann, a multi-disciplinary artist, will be around to ink you in her unique plant-based ink.
31 May-2 June, 7-9 June| 6 to 10PM | Lower Promenade, Marina Bay Sands
