Call for Collaboration: Heritage Activation Node at Katong-Joo Chiat and Clementi (Singapore)

Deadline: 25-Jun-2026

The National Heritage Board (NHB) invites Singapore-based community groups and individuals to submit proposals for heritage-related projects at the Heritage Activation Nodes in Katong–Joo Chiat and Clementi. Projects may receive funding up to SGD 6,000 and aim to celebrate neighbourhood heritage, engage communities, and present heritage in innovative ways.

What is the Heritage Activation Node Initiative?

The Heritage Activation Node initiative by NHB provides opportunities for communities to co-develop and implement projects that highlight local heritage and culture. Each node reflects the distinct character of its precinct, encouraging projects that celebrate neighbourhood history, stories, and cultural identity while engaging residents and visitors in meaningful experiences.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants are Singapore-based interest or community groups and individuals. Proposals must focus on heritage-related projects within the Katong–Joo Chiat or Clementi precincts, engage local communities, and demonstrate the capacity to deliver the project successfully.

Focus Areas and Priorities

Projects should aim to:

• Explore and celebrate the diverse cultural layers, stories, and identities of Katong–Joo Chiat and Clementi.

• Highlight neighbourhood heritage, key figures, communities, and lesser-known aspects of culture.

• Build new audiences who appreciate local heritage and encourage community participation.

• Present heritage in innovative ways, including through technology, interactive installations, or creative programming.

• Activate shared public spaces and engage diverse audiences including residents, youths, families, and elderly communities.

Heritage Activation Node Highlights

Katong–Joo Chiat: Focus on multicultural heritage, culinary traditions, Peranakan culture, and distinctive pre-war architecture. Projects may complement ongoing festivals, guided tours, talks, and heritage programmes.

Clementi: Focus on the neighbourhood’s rich layered heritage, with opportunities for collaborations with educational institutions, heritage businesses, and community partners. Projects may include installations, guided tours, workshops, screenings, murals, or temporary activations.

How the Program Works

1. Develop a heritage-related project that aligns with the precinct’s cultural context and engages the community.

2. Submit a detailed proposal demonstrating heritage focus, creativity, feasibility, and capacity to deliver outcomes.

3. If selected, receive funding support up to SGD 6,000 per project, disbursed on a reimbursement basis upon completion.

4. Implement the project within six months, completing all activities by 31 December 2026.

5. Engage communities and audiences through innovative and interactive experiences, capturing local heritage stories.

Why It Matters

The initiative strengthens community engagement with local heritage, fosters appreciation for neighbourhood culture, and encourages creative interpretation of history. By activating public spaces and using innovative methods, projects contribute to making heritage a living, present part of everyday life in Singapore.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly articulate the heritage focus and significance of the proposed project.

• Demonstrate how the project will engage diverse community audiences.

• Include innovative or creative elements such as technology, installations, or interactive programming.

• Provide a feasible timeline, budget, and plan for implementation within the six-month period.

• Highlight the capacity of applicants to deliver successful outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects unrelated to heritage or outside the precinct boundaries.

• Failing to engage the community or activate public spaces.

• Overlooking feasibility, timeline, or budget considerations.

• Ignoring the maximum funding limit of SGD 6,000 per project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Singapore-based community groups, interest groups, and individuals.

2. Where will projects take place? At Heritage Activation Nodes in Katong–Joo Chiat or Clementi.

3. How much funding is available? Up to SGD 6,000 per project, reimbursed upon completion.

4. What is the maximum project duration? Six months, with completion by 31 December 2026.

5. What types of projects are supported? Heritage-related projects using creative, innovative, or community-focused approaches.

6. Are unconventional venues allowed? Yes, provided they align with the heritage context of the neighbourhood.

7. How are applications evaluated? Based on heritage focus, public engagement, creativity, feasibility, and applicant capacity.

Conclusion

The NHB Heritage Activation Node grant provides Singapore-based groups and individuals a platform to creatively celebrate neighbourhood heritage in Katong–Joo Chiat and Clementi. By fostering community engagement, encouraging innovative interpretation, and activating public spaces, the initiative strengthens local cultural identity and makes heritage accessible and relevant to all audiences.

For more information, visit National Heritage Board.