Singapore’s definitive street culture convention, Culture Cartel, is back for its fifth edition—from 17 to 19 January 2025 at Singapore EXPO Hall 5. This year’s theme, “ICONS Uprising” celebrates the icons who shaped street culture’s foundation and the trailblazing new talents pushing the boundaries today. Spanning art, fashion, music, tattoos, and toys, the three-day event promises an immersive experience with over 250 global brands and artists, and a community-centred celebration of creativity.

Related article: Dior x Stone Island: A Match Made in Streetwear Heaven

The event is packed with exclusive firsts and creative collaborations. McDonald’s Singapore makes its debut as the “main culture icon partner”, offering exciting activations that blend its cultural legacy with street creativity. CASETiFY collaborates with local artists to release limited-edition phone cases, and childhood favourite White Rabbit reimagines nostalgia with its bubble tea launch. Attendees can also marvel at bold exhibitions from TikTok artist David Huynh, known for his playful dollar-bill art, and AI pioneer Tony Rapacioli, presenting a retro-futuristic kingdom brought to life by technology. A special treat: Phillip Leeds, creative director and global brand manager for Pharrell Williams' clothing lines, Billionaire Boys Club and ICECREAM, will also be roving the event taking Polaroid shots for his Big Shots! book series.

Related article: What To Do In Singapore This Weekend

For collectors, The Culture Cartel Vault is a treasure trove of rare finds, including Elim Chew’s pristine Star Wars figures, Sofie Chandra’s Hello Kitty x Louis Vuitton collaborations, and Alex Turnbull’s iconic Stüssy Tribe jacket collection. Tattoo culture takes centre stage with over 180 artists showcasing their craft, including renowned Russian tattooist Valentina Riabova. The coveted tattoo competition returns with a showstopping gothic-inspired trophy designed by ZHUSHI, blending dark artistry with local symbolism.

Related article: Louis Vuitton X Takashi Murakami: Celebrating 20 Years Of Collaboration With An Exclusive Pop-Up In Singapore

Immersive experiences are another major highlight. ART-ZOO’s vibrant A-Z Pop Park makes its Asian debut, blending art and play for all ages. The Horizon Drivers Club showcases supercars alongside interactive booths and music, while the SGP 3x3 League invites attendees to witness fast-paced street basketball action. Visitors can also browse the Marketspace, where small businesses offer unique and creative treasures, from vintage cameras to handcrafted streetwear.

“Over the years, Culture Cartel has become more than just a convention, it is a celebration of our shared love for street culture as we come together to inspire and be inspired by global creative movements,” says convention director Jeremy Tan. “As we continue to push boundaries, our fifth edition will see a curated array of exciting new brands and artists showcasing their collections and performing for the first time.”

With over 100,000 square feet of hall space dedicated to the convergence of street style and more, Culture Cartel 2025 promises an unforgettable experience for die-hard enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.

Here, Tan shares more about his vision for the annual event.

What inspired this year’s theme, and how does it encapsulate the current state of street culture?

The theme “ICONS Uprising” reflects the resurgence of iconic trends from the past and their influence on today’s street culture. From the revival of trading cards and vintage fashion to the resurgence of classic movies, brands and music, these movements highlight the timelessness of cultural icons. This year, we celebrate the legends who were integral in building the foundation of street culture and the rising new icons pushing boundaries, creating a bridge between the past and present.

How do you ensure it appeals to both hardcore street culture enthusiasts and newcomers?

We carefully curate a diverse mix of participants, spanning various genres, to ensure there is something for everyone–whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer. This year’s lineup includes first-time participants, from innovative brands to breakthrough artists, offering attendees fresh and unique experiences.

Culture Cartel isn’t just a convention; it’s a celebration of creativity and community. Our brief to the participants is to encourage them to go all out on creativity and have fun, so we’re just as excited to discover the surprises as our attendees.

This year’s highlights include first-time exhibitions from David Huynh and Tony Rapacioli. What makes their work resonate with the Culture Cartel DNA?

Both artists embody innovation and creativity, making them a perfect fit for this year’s edition. David Huynh represents a new generation of artists leveraging platforms like TikTok to connect directly with audiences, sharing not only their art but also the creative processes behind it. His approach makes art accessible, personal and engaging, which aligns with Culture Cartel’s mission to inspire creativity. Tony Rapacioli’s work showcases the incredible potential of AI in art creation. While AI has been widely explored, Tony’s work stands out for its ability to convey a consistent story and mood, akin to movie production quality.

What was the thought process behind showcasing rare collectibles at Culture Cartel Vault, and what are some of your personal favourite items in this collection?

Since our first edition, we have celebrated collectors and their passion, featuring impressive showcases like the KAWS collection, and rare Star Wars collectibles. This year, we have expanded the scope to highlight diverse collections and the fascinating stories behind each unique piece. A local collector will be exhibiting his rare G-SHOCK collection to the public for the first time, and I’m personally thrilled about Elim Chew’s never-before-seen Star Wars figures that will also be making its debut public showcase at Culture Cartel.

How do element like ART-ZOO and the National 3x3 League enhance the experience for attendees?

Street culture transcends art and fashion; it is a lifestyle that touches diverse communities. Collaborations like ART-ZOO and the SGP 3x3 League 2025 reflect the multifaceted nature of this culture, inviting more people to join in the celebration. These immersive elements amplify the fun and create shared experiences, strengthening the Culture Cartel community. And trust me, there is more in store and we can’t wait to surprise everyone wo attends!

Reflecting on Culture Cartel’s growth since 2018, what moments stand out most to you in its journey?

From our first event at the F1 Pit Building to pivoting with a virtual convention during the pandemic, and now partnering with Singapore EXPO, each step has been a milestone and a blessing. Hosting tattoo competitions, collaborating with international brands, and shining a spotlight on Southeast Asian creatives are all moments we are proud of. Through Culture Cartel, we have built relationships, learned from diverse communities, and gained a deeper appreciation for the people, creations and culture that connect us all.

What’s your vision for the future of Culture Cartel?

We have already tested smaller pop-ups in Indonesia and Thailand, and we are excited to expand Culture Cartel’s reach further. More than a convention, Culture Cartel is a movement that celebrates a shared love for street culture. Our goal is to partner with like-minded creatives on fun, innovative projects that push boundaries and bring people together. The journey is just beginning, and we are open to wherever it takes us. So, hit us up if you want to be part of it!

Culture Cartel 2025 is happening from 17 to 19 January 2025 at Singapore EXPO Hall 5. Tickets can be purchased from the official website.