Building capabilities and positioning Singapore globally through SEA Focus

Friends of the arts community,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Introduction

1. Welcome to S.E.A. Focus. It takes a village to put together this evening when we shine the spotlight on South East Asian art. I would like to start by inviting everyone to put our hands together to thank Emi, Audrey, Jason and the team at STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery for working so hard to bring you S.E.A. Focus.

Singapore Art Week's role in our SG Arts Plan

2. In October 2018, the National Arts Council (NAC) launched Our SG Arts Plan, a five-year blueprint for the arts sector. The plan charts new directions for Singapore’s arts sector to support the needs and aspirations of our arts community. In particular, the plan envisioned that Singapore will be recognised globally as the visual arts city for South East Asian art. One way to achieve this is to create opportunities for artists to create and exhibit their art. Major visual arts events such as Singapore Art Week (SAW) and Singapore Biennale are important presentation platforms.

3. The annual SAW, now in its 7th edition, has become a highlight event in our visual arts calendar. We have over 200 partners, with more collaborations and programmes, catering to Singaporeans of all ages and backgrounds as well as visitors from overseas. Its 2018 edition drew over 590,000 attendances.

4. NAC has increased the accessibility of its programmes deliberately. There are over 100 programmes located around Singapore this year. One can go from S.E.A. Focus here at Gillman Barracks, to the IMPART Collectors Show featuring Singapore-based collections at the Marina Bay, and to the Golden Mile Complex to contemplate works on personal faith and tradition by emerging artists. Or you may consider attending panel discussions at Sim Lim Square, where an arts residency aims to re-code perspectives on art, technology and space. As people from different backgrounds come together to enjoy and support the arts, we create shared memories and experiences.

S.E.A. Focus – Building capabilities, positioning Singapore globally

5. S.E.A. Focus is the newest addition this year that manifests two priority areas – building capabilities and positioning Singapore globally.

6. First, for a vibrant arts sector, we need to grow capability in areas such as arts management, research and data analytics, and audience development. S.E.A. Focus is a developmental platform that provides our local galleries and artists an opportunity to build their capabilities in market development, as well as learn from the best in presentation skills.

7. When we saw the gap in the market place that is dedicated to South East Asian art, thus the origin of S.E.A. Focus, we looked for an organisation that has the strengths and networks that could pull it together. STPI’s name came up quickly. Over the years, STPI has built up a strong network of artists through its residency programme. It is experienced in bringing Singapore and regional artists to international art fairs, and has taken part in all three annual editions of the prestigious Art Basel fair. I am glad to see that STPI has successfully brought together this platform.

8. Second, we believe that the arts have the power to connect people across communities and nations. STPI has brought together 26 galleries from around the world, with over half from South East Asia, presenting the works of 53 established and emerging artists with the majority of the galleries presenting works from South East Asia. From our pioneer artists such as Cheong Soo Pieng, Cultural Medallion recipient Han Sai Por, younger talents Ruben Pang and Faris Nakamura, to artists from the region, I am certain that we will be mesmerised by their works.

9. Singapore’s location in South East Asia presents us opportunities to collaborate with our regional neighbours and to work towards our vision of being a visual arts city for South East Asian art. NAC recognises that our private galleries are a rich resource of knowledge in South East Asian art. Their expertise and networks complement the curatorial narrative of our museums with the wealth of talent, and rich diversity of artistic expression in our region. We are glad to see that S.E.A. Focus is providing opportunities for up-and coming artists, who need time and exposure to be commercially successful. It is featuring two not-for-profit, artist-led initiatives. MoT+++ from Vietnam and Myanm/art from Myanmar.

10. With STPI’s international standing, and the support of our agencies – the NAC, Economic Development Board (EDB) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) – the gathering of galleries from around the world will add vibrancy to Singapore’s arts calendar and tourism offerings. I understand a number of S.E.A. Focus’ galleries are participating in an art fair of this scale in Singapore for the first time in recent years.

11. I know some of you were looking forward to Art Stage. Like you, we are equally disappointed and saddened by this decision made at such short notice. It is heartening though to see many galleries and groups coming forward to support the affected exhibitors. The camaraderie and strong spirit of the arts sector was in full demonstration. Many have banded together to offer spaces and render help. I am thankful for the private venues, galleries and corporates such as Gajah Gallery, PLOT, The Culture Story, and Japan Creative Centre, who offered their spaces; and to Jackson and Mae from Art Outreach, who worked so quickly with relevant government agencies and the public, to house 14 affected galleries at the ARTery pop-up showcase. That we can respond so well and so quickly to the situation that Art Stage created shows the network and depth of the Singapore visual arts ecosystem.

12. I am confident that Singapore’s arts scene continues to present opportunities for artists, galleries, collectors and art fairs, thanks to the collective efforts of the community.

Conclusion

13. One of my visions for Singapore’s arts landscape is to make this a home to vibrant and distinctive arts. This cannot be achieved without your support of all of you here tonight, and I thank you for your participation in SAW, and your interest and support for Singapore art.

14. Thank you, and have a great evening ahead.