Inside the Art Bus, two humanoid art installations made of metal wires “sit” in separate seats. The adult and child figures, seated separately, have empty faces, attracting passengers to approach and “place” their own faces into the outlines, interacting with the artwork and creating an interesting scene.

This artwork is part of Next Stop: Together!, a public art project by non-profit organisation ART:DIS with the support of the National Arts Council, Land Transport Authority and SMRT. The project transforms the public transport system into an art platform, showcasing a mobile Art Bus and several large-scale works installed in MRT stations across the island.

The wire sculptures in the Art Bus is by visually impaired sculptor Victor Tan. In an interview, Victor said that he hopes viewers will not just stand by and watch, but will approach the work and even become a part of it. “The work is deliberately presented with a hollow human face outline, drawing the viewer in and creating interaction with the work. In the past, I focused on creating works with a single figure. This time, I added the image of a child because I have a deeper understanding of parent-child relationships,” he added.

Curator John Tung said that the transportation system not only serves the function of passage, but also connects people with places and people with each other in daily life. “We hope this project allows the public to connect with art in their daily commutes by seeing, touching, listening and feeling,” shared John.

Other monumental artworks as part of the project will also be located at Raffles Place, Harbourfront, Little India, Bugis, Tampines, Newton, Dhoby Ghaut, and Outram Park MRT stations. The Art Bus itself will make stops at 25 locations in 12 districts, roving throughout the island.

Next Stop: Together! is part of Singapore Arts Week (SAW) 2026. Organised by the National Arts Council and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, SAW, now in its 14th year, will be held from 22–31 January. As Singapore’s largest annual visual arts festival, the event will present nearly 170 events across the island, including over 200 exhibitions and public art installations, encompassing museums, galleries, and public spaces. The organizers aim to bring art closer to everyday life.

Tay Tong, Director (Visual Arts Development) of the National Arts Council, said that this year’s SAW continues to bring art out of museums and into the public’s daily lives, transforming different corners of the island into spaces where art can be experienced. “Through projects such as ‘Next Stop: Together!’, art enters the community and meets the public in daily scenarios, allowing people to build connections in the process of sharing art experiences and feel the positive impact that art brings to life.”

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