Free Magazines From The Streets of Singapore

Out and about with nothing to read? Here’s five free reads you can pick up from shops, cafes, museums and libraries in Singapore.

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untitledJUICE

This is the monthly guide to Singapore’s music and clubbing scene. Since it launched in 1998, JUICE has become an institution of local free street magazines. Each issue features news, reviews, and interviews with local and international musicians. There’s also a fashion spread. But, the perennial favourite has to be the ‘Scene’ section where you can check out who’s been out partying all night! Since June this year, JUICE has also published a special edition for sale at $4 that features extra content and exclusive promotions and offers.

WHERE TO FIND IT
Fashion stores, cafes and restaurants.

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I-S-April-2010I-S Magazine

The granddaddy of free street magazines in Singapore. I-S is a weekly that  covers the entertainment and lifestyle scene in Singapore and has been around since 1995. The latest issue comes out every Friday, and is packed with listings of the latest exhibitions, art events, films and theatre productions. There is also a guide on where to eat and party. The soul of the magazine, however, is its features stories and interviews that sometimes cover the most current controversial issues with a cheeky touch. Another favourite is its OB Index, which charts the state of freedom of expression here Where do they get their sense of humour? The answer could be found it the advertisements of its classifieds section.

WHERE TO FIND IT
Most fashion stores, cafes and restaurants.

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BeMUSE 2010BeMUSE

Who says free stuff can’t come without puff? BeMUSE is a quarterly magazine started in 2007 that celebrates heritage (No, not a puff word for history!) with photos and essays about the latest museum exhibitions. It is published by Singapore’s National Heritage Board (NHB), which explains why its articles feature exhibitions from its museums. However, this is more than just a beautifully designed public relations guide  – many of the articles are written by the exhibition curators themselves making it almost like attending a curator’s tour!

WHERE TO FIND IT
Museums and hotels.

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kult issue 3Kult Magazine

Here’s one for those who don’t like to read: Kult is a quarterly that uses visual arts to explore social issues. Each issue, by the similarly named creative agency, features works from illustrators from all over the world and it has so far covered the themes of truth, artificiality and AIDS. Since the magazine started in 2009, Kult has challenged the notion of magazines by not only having a printed form but also adapting its content to fit an 80’s arcade machine and an interactive online edition. Read my earlier review here.

WHERE TO FIND IT
Design schools and cafes in town.

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BIBA_0602Jul10BiblioAsia

For Singapore history buffs, this one’s for you. This is a quarterly journal of academic articles written by the librarians and the research fellows of the National Library Board. Since it started in 2005, BiblioAsia has published articles on lesser known topics of Singapore’s history — physical education, children literature, Malay scripts — making it an excellent resource for budding researchers. The articles also come with references that you can follow-up on at the library.

WHERE TO FIND IT
National Libraries

3 comments

  1. Mary Rose Ann Del Rosario says:

    Free Hard copy please that would be sent to me please. I’m a graduating student, it’s a final requirement to me that i should secure a copy of a magazine for free and free shipping as well. I only have until February for the deadline, hope you could help me.

  2. Gillian says:

    Hi, I am Gillian, Manager from NUS Information Technology. I am tasked to spruce up the pantry at NUS IT. I thought of putting some magazines in the pantry for them to read. As I am working within a tight budget, I was wondering if your magazines are free?
    I am interested in the I-S, Juice and BiblioAsia (quarterly). How do I can these magazines on a monthly basis?
    Thank you
    Gillian

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