Our Programmes

Tanah dan Air (Land and Water) is our ground-up initiative's (Orang Laut SG) heritage garden project in CitySprouts, West Coast Park. Conceptualised and brought to life by The Black Sampan team, this project allowed us to work with the community and dedicated volunteers. The project focuses on soil regeneration, creating a foundation for planting indigenous flora. These plants hold deep significance to the food, medicine, and culture of the Orang Laut and Pulau communities.
 

The heritage garden is a versatile space for workshops, talks, and community gatherings, fostering knowledge sharing and cultural connection. Through this initiative, we aim to honour the heritage of the Orang Laut while nurturing sustainable practices.
 

Tanah dan Air has also hosted programmes and learning journeys in partnership with schools, such as the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), art institutions like the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), and cultural partners like the National Heritage Board (NHB).

These collaborations allow us to share the stories, traditions, and ecological knowledge of the Orang Laut with a broader audience, ensuring their rich legacy continues to inspire future generations.

We develop educational programmes and workshops tailored to students of all ages. These initiatives often include interactive learning journeys, heritage-themed activities, and environmental conservation projects, encouraging young minds to connect with cultural and ecological heritage. Our partnerships with schools aim to complement their curriculum while fostering a sense of social responsibility and awareness. Thus far, we have worked with more than 30 local and international institutions in Singapore, manoeuvring various learning objectives from understanding cultural and environmental sustainability, indigenous cultures, and research ethics.

At The Black Sampan, we are deeply committed to engaging with the arts and cultural scene, consistently contributing to impactful art programmes. Notably, we have been involved in programmes such as Ikut Arus at the Singapore Writers Festival and Air Da Tohor - a showcase at the Esplanade, all of which emphasise the fusion of community engagement with artistic expression.
 

Our process begins with conceptualising ideas that are both innovative and reflective of the community’s stories and values. We work collaboratively with artists, curators, and local participants to ensure the concepts resonate with diverse audiences. Once an idea is developed, we focus on the seamless execution of these projects, ensuring that every detail aligns with the artistic vision while keeping the community's role central to the experience.

Involving the community is crucial to our approach.

Whether through workshops, performances, or interactive experiences, we actively engage local participants, inviting them to become part of the artistic process. This creates a richer, more inclusive artistic landscape and ensures that the projects remain authentic and grounded in the lived experiences of the people they represent. Through our involvement in these prestigious art programmes, we continue to push boundaries at the intersection of art, culture, and community.

We actively collaborate with grassroots organisations, cultural institutions, and corporate partners to amplify our outreach efforts. By facilitating programmes, events, talks, guided walks and volunteer opportunities, we create platforms for dialogue and collective action, ensuring our programmes leave a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Through these efforts, The Black Sampan aims to bridge gaps, promote inclusivity, and empower individuals and organisations to drive positive societal change. Our partners include elders from Monfort Care and the wider community through collaborations with People's Association.

Translated as ‘Rooftop Assembly’, Atap Assembly is a platform created by The Black Sampan that fosters inclusive conversations and community building started in the heart of Chinatown. Launched in 2022, this monthly event brings together individuals with stories to tell, causes to support, and ideas to discuss, offering a safe and welcoming space for niche topics related to arts, culture, environmental and social issues.

Atap Assembly serves as a sanctuary for meaningful discourse, empowering participants with knowledge, resources, and opportunities for personal and collective growth. It creates an environment where like-minded individuals can support and inspire one another and facilitates connections for collaboration across various fields. With a commitment to supporting minority voices and grassroots initiatives, Atap Assembly actively forges partnerships with organisations to amplify the impact of social movements and specialised programmes. Its goal is to nurture community empowerment, creativity, and shared learning.