Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Heritage Activation Node (HAN) Punggol Call for Collaboration invites individuals and organisations in Singapore to co-create heritage-based projects that explore the cultural identity and transformation of Punggol. Supported by the National Heritage Board and OH! Open House, the programme offers up to SGD 8,000 in funding for community-driven, creative, and participatory heritage initiatives implemented between September 2026 and March 2027.
Overview of the Programme
The Heritage Activation Node (HAN) Punggol initiative is a collaborative programme designed to bring local heritage into everyday community life through creative and participatory projects.
It encourages residents, artists, and organisations to co-develop projects that reflect the evolving identity of Punggol under the theme:
- “Histories in Transition”
The programme highlights how urban development, community history, and cultural memory intersect in shaping modern Punggol.
Core Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Celebrate the history and cultural identity of Punggol
- Highlight lesser-known local heritage stories
- Engage residents in community-driven heritage exploration
- Promote creative and arts-based storytelling methods
- Strengthen community ownership of cultural narratives
- Explore transformation of neighbourhood identity over time
Heritage Themes and Focus Areas
Projects may explore a wide range of heritage dimensions, including:
- Agricultural heritage and farming communities
- Marine and waterfront heritage
- Natural and ecological heritage
- Recreational and social spaces
- Historical communities such as:
- Kampung Wak Sumang
- Plantation workers
- Teochew-Catholic communities
- Long-time and new residents
The emphasis is on inclusive storytelling and community memory preservation.
Eligible Project Formats
Applicants are encouraged to use creative and participatory formats such as:
- Art exhibitions
- Guided heritage tours
- Community talks and storytelling sessions
- Workshops and educational activities
- Film screenings and multimedia storytelling
- Performances and theatre-based interpretations
- Community games and interactive installations
- Site-specific or public-space interventions
Projects may take place in:
- Public spaces
- Homes or private/community spaces
- Commercial areas
- Rooftops or unconventional neighbourhood locations
(Subject to permissions and safety compliance)
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Eligible applicants include:
- Singapore Citizens
- Singapore Permanent Residents
- Registered organisations based in Singapore
- Informal community groups (with majority local participation)
Collaborative Projects
- Foreign collaborators are allowed
- However, the lead applicant must be Singapore-based
- At least 50% of team members must be citizens or PRs
Funding Support
- Up to SGD 8,000 per project
- Provided on a reimbursement basis
Funding Considerations
Funding approval depends on:
- Project relevance to heritage objectives
- Scale and feasibility of implementation
- Community engagement potential
- Budget clarity and justification
Project Timeline
- Implementation period: September 2026 – March 2027
- Final completion deadline: 31 March 2027
Applicants must ensure:
- Realistic scheduling and logistics
- Clear justification for timelines
- Full completion within the programme period
Key Expectations
Projects should demonstrate:
- Strong community participation
- Respect for cultural sensitivity and local identity
- Innovative interpretation of heritage themes
- Accessibility for diverse audiences
- Environmental and public safety compliance
- Proper permissions for selected locations
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative strengthens:
- Community ownership of cultural heritage
- Preservation of local identity amid urban transformation
- Public engagement in historical storytelling
- Creative interpretation of neighbourhood histories
- Inclusive participation in heritage documentation
- Connection between past, present, and future communities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak community engagement or participation design
- Lack of clear heritage focus or narrative connection
- Ignoring location permissions and safety requirements
- Overly commercial or non-heritage-focused proposals
- Poor alignment with “Histories in Transition” theme
- Unrealistic budgets or timelines
Tips for a Strong Application
- Anchor your project in specific Punggol histories or communities
- Engage residents as active contributors, not just audiences
- Use creative, accessible storytelling formats
- Clearly explain how heritage will be interpreted or preserved
- Build partnerships with local groups or organisations
- Ensure strong feasibility within the funding limit
FAQ
1. What is the Heritage Activation Node (HAN) Punggol?
It is a community heritage programme that supports co-created projects exploring the cultural identity of Punggol.
2. Who can apply?
Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, registered organisations, and local informal groups.
3. What is the funding amount?
Up to SGD 8,000 per project on a reimbursement basis.
4. When must projects be completed?
Between September 2026 and March 2027, ending by 31 March 2027.
5. Can foreign collaborators participate?
Yes, but the lead applicant must be Singapore-based and most team members must be local.
6. What types of projects are supported?
Exhibitions, tours, workshops, performances, installations, and community storytelling initiatives.
7. What is the main theme?
“Histories in Transition” focusing on Punggol’s evolving identity and heritage.
Conclusion
The Heritage Activation Node – Punggol programme fosters meaningful community engagement by enabling residents and creators to collaboratively explore and reinterpret local heritage. Through creative storytelling and participatory projects, it strengthens cultural identity while preserving the evolving history of Punggol for future generations.
For more information, visit National Heritage Board.