CO PLAY at Plaza Singapura is a one-of-a-kind concept commune that brings together artists, creators, and collectors in a central environment. It is positioned as a chill and hip hangout, offering excitingly interactive rotating exhibits.
Co Play is located at unit #03-67/69 beside Best Denki on the newer mall extension annex at Plaza Singapura along Orchard Road. There are two entrances to the establishment. You can access the space via the third floor front entrance beside the CoCo curry resturant we visited previously, or via the ground floor. You take the escalator up from inside the Action City pop mart store at the mall’s ground floor entrance by the bus stop (near starbucks/7-11) directly up to the mall’s third floor.
Upon entering CO PLAY, you are greeted by a vibrant space where designer art and collectibles come to life before their eyes. The establishment serves as an incubator for artists and collectors to showcase, inspire, and share ideas, all under one roof. The resident artists each have their own personal space or cubicle spread throughout the compound, creating a co-working atmosphere.
Home to toy local creators
A standout feature of CO PLAY is the Artist Village, where resident artists, or “artists-in-residence,” showcase their unique creations. Notable favorites among these artists include Lesdoublewood (Lester Lim) for his jello pods and giant inflatables.
You might remember Lesdoublewood creations at the Artbox at Singapore expo we visited earlier this year. Also, we have Yang Ovo for his gempod, O2, and cutsey themed figures, Tanavit23 with his iconic fat bird, Tobyato with his visual artworks and figurines.
Wrapping up, we have Sapien Toy Studios known for their ELO character, and InInk by Rex Lee with his adorable space cats and black and white standee mural.
During my visit in the Artist Village, the resident artists were offering hand-stencil artwork on canvas tote bags. Each artist offer different artwork in three sizes that can be drawn on tote bags.
Also, this unique offering allows visitors to carry home a customized piece of art and cherish a one-of-a-kind memento. This limited-time offering adds an extra dimension of exclusivity to the experience.
Bazaar and CO PLAY Supermarket
The CO PLAY Supermarket and the pop-up flea market within the entrance area further enhance the overall experience. The CO PLAY Supermarket provides a marketplace for various toy collectibles.
This includes old classic McDonald’s Happy Meal toys, classic toys, action figures, and hand-made craft toy items. The pop-up flea market, manned by individual store owners. It offers a chance to interact with them, learn more about their toys, and discuss their collections.
Beyond being a creative space, CO PLAY also hosts live musical acts during the evenings, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere. During event days, visitors can enjoy light bites provided on-site while immersing themselves in the artistic ambiance.
For those interested in acquiring unique art pieces, CO PLAY offers the opportunity to purchase artwork and toys. It allows you to take home an original artwork created by talented local artists.
Throughout the visit to CO PLAY, it becomes evident that the space is not just a gathering point for artists and collectors but also a platform for these creative individuals to grow and flourish. Also, CO PLAY positions itself as a hub that nurtures talent and fosters a vibrant community where artists can thrive. Notably, the current art lineup is primarily focused on physical collectible toys.
Examples here includes a range of Bearbrick, Molly and Distort Monsters. You can also find Sam Lo’s Myna rebellion piece here too, its a collectable version we first saw at the Sneaketopia exhibition at Art science museum. In addition, you can find a small section dedicated to paintings here too.
Wrapping up
CO PLAY Hangout is open daily until 10 pm. This makes it accessible for you to drop in and explore the diverse world of designer art and collectibles. The establishment’s dedication to highlighting local artists and their stories adds a touch of authenticity and relevance to the entire experience.
In conclusion, CO PLAY at Plaza Singapura is an innovative and immersive space that beckons art enthusiasts, creators, and collectors alike. Its unique blend of creative exhibits, artist interactions, and collectible offerings creates a stimulating environment that inspires and fosters creativity. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a toy collector, or simply someone seeking a fresh and vibrant experience, CO PLAY is undoubtedly a destination to visit in Plaza Singapura.
