The popularity of art in Singapore has been on the rise since 2006, when the country hosted its first Biennale. Today, the local arts scene is as a diverse as its cultural makeup and features a vibrant collection of local and international artists sharing the spotlight at exhibitions throughout the year. This country’s diminutive size, definitively contrasted by the dazzling breadth and depth of artwork on display.
Museums and galleries are not the only places you will be able to appreciate Singapore artists’ talents. A stroll along Orchard Road and Marina Bay will reveal various art installations. While you’re in the city, look closer – hidden in plain sight are boutique arts retailers, privately owned establishments that offer an eclectic selection of paintings, sculptures and other valuable works of art within their walls.
Funding for the arts is alive and well in the country, with over S$80 million projected to be invested into the local arts scene over the next few years. In arts education, $160,000 has been put aside for 13 selected schools to implement customised arts initiatives for students.
Major arts events in Singapore include Art Stage Singapore, Affordable Art Fair and Singapore Biennale. In 2013, the country’s most popular arts exhibition (Art Stage Singapore) drew an impressive 46,000 visitors in 4 days, including prominent local and international collectors. However, the Art Stage Singapore was discontinued in 2019.
Arts schools have been gaining in popularity in recent years. Singapore’s well-established institutes for an education in the arts are the LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the School of the Arts.