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We’ve all heard the saying that time is money – and in Punggol, it’s becoming literal. OH! Open House (OH!) has joined forces with Thai contemporary artist Mit Jai Inn for Marking Punggol – a public exhibition that swaps dollars for deeds. Opening March 14 at The Cove, Punggol Waterway Point, this is not your average art show: 99 sculptural works by prominent Thai artist Mit Jai Inn are up for grabs – however, not in exchange for money, but the hours you put in helping your community.
That’s right. To “buy” one, you’ll have to pledge volunteer hours to a Punggol-based social cause, turning participation into currency. Here’s how it works: small sculptures cost around 80 hours, medium sculptures cost 100 hours, and large ones cost 300 hours.
This isn't OH! Open House's first time swapping art for hours. 2023/2024's Marking Matters? saw 32 volunteers log 10,000 hours for causes from firefighting to animal care. This edition aims for another 10,000, focused entirely on Punggol.
You’ll be able to pick from curated partners like Heritage Activation Node at Punggol (HAN@Punggol), Blood Bank @ One Punggol, Enabling Services Hub @ Punggol, or SG Care Services @ Punggol by Allkin Singapore, or any other local cause you love. Volunteer hours must be completed between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027.
The 99 papier-mâché sculptures come in Mit Jai Inn’s trademark vibrant palette, modelled after the humble home stool. And every collected sculpture is a trophy commemorating the hours spent mentoring, assisting, caregiving, or organising.
When and how to participate
Marking Punggol runs from March 14 to 29, 2026 at The Cove, Punggol Waterway Point. View the sculptures, learn about participating organisations, and declare your volunteer pledge during this time. Admission is free and no registration is required.
To participate, attend a briefing on March 29, 2026 from 4.30pm to 5.30pm at The Cove to learn more about the process. Volunteer hours can be completed anytime from April 1, 2026 to March 31 2027.
The launch coincides with HAN@Punggol Open House, celebrating the first anniversary of the Heritage Activation Node, a joint effort by NHB and OH! Open House.
For more information, visit HAN@Punggol Open House's webpage here, and follow OH! Open House on Instagram here.
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