Sing Lit Station is proud to work with Migrant Writers of Singapore, a collective of literature enthusiasts who aim to grow an inclusive and self-sustaining community as well as empower migrants to discover their talents and develop their voice. Together, we hope to reaffirm that literature and art can be a meeting point; one that honours lived experience, builds empathy, and reminds us that everyone has a story worth telling.
In January 2026, Sing Lit Station and Migrant Writers of Singapore are pleased to present Here & Elsewhere, a showcase of art and poetry.
Here & Elsewhere is an exhibition of art—poetry, collage, painting, and textile—created in community by migrant workers and local residents over the course of a year. Through workshops where participants learned and created side by side, the exhibition brings together different walks of life in Singapore, with works that weave language and image. Held at the Visual Arts Centre from 18 to 25 January 2026, it features more than 60 works by over 40 artists. These pieces reflect on belonging, the lives built in this country, and the memories carried from far away. Rooted in a collective DIY spirit, the exhibition also invites visitors to contribute their own words and images, continuing the conversation of what it means to be both here and elsewhere.
Selected artworks will be available for adoption through a donation to Sing Lit Station, supporting the exhibition and our year-long migrant writing programmes. Contributions can also be made through our ongoing campaign.
Nelie Bautista, Renewal, 2025
Gliza Quirimit, Love and Home, 2025
Siti, Suspended, 2025
OUR PROGRAMMES
Literary Walk at Fort Canning Park
Beyond the exhibition, Sing Lit Station’s work with migrant communities is part of a wider ecosystem of writing and arts programmes. These include:
workshops on topics ranging from creative writing and arts and crafts to digital technology
literary walks, peer-led outdoor walks using nature and storytelling to support reflection, wellbeing, and connection
Carnival of Poetry, a monthly poetry reading session featuring migrant and local writers
Bridging Worlds Through Words, a podcast series exploring literature and its intersections
and other events and activities, including performances, storytelling sessions, and festivals
These programmes are designed to be welcoming, low-barrier, and collaborative, meeting participants where they are and valuing lived experience as creative knowledge.
OUR IMPACT
From 2023 to 2025, Sing Lit Station has:
Supported over 70 migrant arts activities, including creative writing workshops, arts and crafts sessions, poetry readings, and literature festivals
Engaged more than 1,100 migrant participants across our programmes
Helped create over 400 new works by migrant writers and artists
Trained and supported over 40 migrant volunteers
With our partners at Migrant Writers of Singapore, we have helped to foster a vibrant community of migrant writers and volunteers, empowering many to pursue publication, lead workshops, and launch their own projects. We aim to nurture these dreams not just by developing their literary talents but their potential as facilitators and arts organisers. Together, we create spaces for migrant writers to share their own stories and inspire others.
Zine-making workshops facilitated by Worms
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE
Migrant Writers of Singapore performing at Esplanade’s Red Dot August 2024
Championing Artistic Excellence
Sing Lit Station endeavors to showcase migrant workers' writing, making their experiences accessible and validating them as writers. With continued support through our programmes, we envision a future where migrant writers win local and international literary awards, achieve higher rates of publication, and emerge as skilled editors and leaders within the literary community.
Developing Industry Capabilities
Many migrant workers aspire to organise their own arts events. We view our current role as a temporary bridge, equipping these organisers with the tools and skills to independently lead their initiatives. We aim to transition from intermediaries to enablers, cultivating a landscape where migrant workers not only gain recognition for their creative work but also thrive as arts organisers.
Transforming Perceptions
We aim to reframe the perception of migrant arts programmes from charitable outreach to enriching, high-quality cultural experiences in their own right. By building and positioning migrant workers as experienced writers and organisers, we hope to transform these programmes into financially sustainable initiatives and empower migrant writers as respected contributors to Singapore’s literary scene.
YOUR SUPPORT FUELS CREATIVITY AND CONNECTION
For 2025, 80% of our programme costs are covered by our grant partner, The Majurity Trust; we need your help to bridge the remaining 20%. Your support will sustain and grow these vital programmes, enabling migrant writers to develop their craft and take on leadership roles. Together, we can continue building a more robust and inclusive literary eco-system.
Readers and attendees at the monthly Carnival of Poetry, showcasing migrant and local work
TESTIMONIALS
“Migrant Writers of Singapore is a valuable collective that humanises migrant workers beyond their job titles. It lets us get to know them as a human from their lived experiences and worldview. Apart from being just a creative outlet, it empowers others to come forward to express their emotions and thoughts through the shared power of language.” - Sam
“It’s truly inspiring how you bridge the gap between Singaporeans and migrant workers especially since I’ve always find it a bit tough to bridge given the stigma surrounding it especially blue collared workers like domestic helpers and construction workers. It’s a good step towards an inclusive society.” - Melanie Ang
“I felt greater confidence within me to go out and have a conversation with people, to bring out the amazing stories they have, to share a space where everyone’s stories are recognised and valid, to wander with the skills learned and create wonders in this world we live.” - Janelyn Dupingay
Migrant Writers of Singapore volunteers at their Book Distribution Day
“It is heartening to know of such an inclusive, safe and accessible platform for our migrant workers to pour their innermost thoughts into, while staying in their home away from home. This gifts us an opportunity to reflect on their selfless contributions, and offers us a glimpse into their lives.” - Wan Nurulashikin Binte Syed Hussein
“[Migrant Writers of Singapore] became a comforting and safe place for me. I enjoyed the Literary Walk most, where you can listen to many different stories, yet from those stories it somehow inspires you and gives you this assurance that you are not alone in this foreign land. It draws strength for you to keep moving forward in life and achieving your goal.” - Julie Ann Tabigne
“Thank you for giving value to each one of us. You understand our sadness and loneliness in a foreign land by bringing us together. We gained new friends. Thank you for the many activities that showcased our individual talents and skills that we wouldn't have been able to show in our workplace.” - Christine Venenoso
“This is a place where migrant workers hone their talents and share stories. Stories of how we grew up in different lands but share the same seas - and the same love for literary arts. Sing Lit transcends borders. It can’t be confined within a red passport. Collecting these stories here demonstrates its fluidity. As a Singaporean, I grapple with the identity of our literature. It’s hard to picture Sing Lit. But [migrantwriters.sg] gives it a voice.” - Melvin