In Yishun, eight bus stops now feature artwork and photographs as part of a community initiative designed to enhance the daily commute and encourage public participation in shared spaces. Launched in July by the non-profit group Playces, the project utilizes free advertising noticeboards provided by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) at select bus stops, allowing residents with connections to the neighbourhood to display creative works.
Playces’ founder, Gena Soh, explained that the initiative builds on existing infrastructure, offering an accessible platform for public expression without the need for new installations. The group refreshes the content monthly on the eight noticeboards in Yishun, showcasing a variety of contributions ranging from artwork to memes. The six-month pilot project receives support from the Land Transport Authority and a $5,000 seed fund from the Singapore Government Partnerships Office, which covers costs related to materials, printing, volunteer stipends, and outreach efforts.
The noticeboards, which have been available nationwide since 2011 as a space for free, legitimate advertisements, are being tested in Yishun as venues for community art for the first time. An LTA spokesperson described the pilot as an experiment aimed at promoting creativity and enlivening the commuting experience.
During a visit on September 23, six of the eight Yishun bus stops displayed a mini exhibition by local artist Jun Zuan Ang. His photographs depict various scenes of waiting in Yishun, including drying laundry, road signs near the columbarium, and seniors resting in void decks. The remaining two stops featured an eclectic mix of posters and artwork contributed by other community members.
Several residents have embraced the initiative. Yishun-born Muhammad Aqil Azhad contributed two art pieces to bring a “touch of playfulness” to the area, pushing back against perceptions that art is scarce in non-central districts. Freelance illustrator and former Yishun resident Siti Nurani highlighted the project’s role in transforming everyday spaces into hubs of community engagement, noting that art can appear “even in the most mundane places.” Nurani plans to continue contributing and assisting with installations.
Despite support from LTA, the project faced logistical challenges. On August 9 and September 15, contractor teams mistakenly removed the artwork during routine cleaning, which is typically done twice monthly. After clarifications, LTA instructed contractors to limit cleaning to the first of each month until December to ensure the artwork remains visible for a full month. The authority expressed regret over the premature removals and issued a stern warning to the contractors involved.
While there are no immediate plans to expand the number of free advertisement noticeboards, LTA remains open to exploring similar community engagement opportunities. Playces is exploring ways to improve operational processes and hopes to extend the project to other neighbourhoods such as Jurong West and Tampines.
Reactions from passers-by have been mixed. Some expressed confusion over the displays and suggested adding explanatory notes in local languages for broader understanding. Others, like Nur Qunthisa and her husband Muhammad Muhaimin, found the artwork engaging and a novel addition to the landscape.
The initiative in Yishun serves as a test case for leveraging existing public spaces to foster community creativity and enhance the daily environment for commuters.