Exploring Informal Social & Cultural Activism in Singapore: A Study on Local Ground-up Initiatives

Abstract

In the permutations of its form, this paper defines collectives such as Geylang Adventures as a breed of informal social and cultural activism. Theoretically rooted in both new social movement analysis and urban studies, cultural activism uses “art and creative practices to disrupt commonly held assumptions and expectations, often by forging alternative spatial imaginaries or meanings” (Buser et al, 2013:2). Ideologically, the above collectives identify with the “commoning movement” which seeks to regain common wealth, both material and political through implementing participatory processes. Thematically, these collectives address issues of urbanisation, nationhood, sustainability and the building of communities. Within the uneasy government-civil society relationship, they posture themselves (in a spectrum) as both community partner to opposing government imperatives. The level of social capital each collective acquires leads to possibilities for expansion and collaboration. Functionally, these ground-up collectives differ from conventional non-profit ones in that they do not possess a legal structure; being neither a society, charitable trust or limited company. Some may choose to evolve into these types in order to gain credibility and remain sustainable. Ground up initiatives here are defined as; (i) self-initiated and organically formed to respond to a social issue or injustice, (ii) possessing no initial legal status4 and (iii) whose activities or programmes benefit a community as selected by the collective. This paper will also alternatively refer to them as informal collectives. There are an estimated hundred odd such informal collectives operating online and offline, self-organising events and outreach efforts to spearhead causes ranging from arts and heritage to social welfare. Their increasingly visible presence and reach on online platforms bears significance. Are they merely lifestyle initiatives touching upon community concerns, or are these ground-up initiatives part of a new wave of civil society groups engaging in a new form of social activism? This exploratory paper aims to examine this breed of informal social activism. It first explores the motivations for its genesis and growth. Secondly, it explores the constraints and opportunities facing the model.