Championing 'Made-in-Singapore' contemporary art

STPI Board Members,

Ms Emi Eu, Director of STPI,

Distinguished artists,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. It's wonderful to see so many friends and patrons of STPI here tonight. I'm sure you'd agree that STPI is a precious gem in our visual arts landscape. It plays a special role in championing made-in-Singapore contemporary art.And through its unique artist collaborations with eminent artists, STPI is at the forefront of the world's printmaking scene.

STPI's international achievements

1. STPI has achieved much over the past 15 years. It is the only Southeast Asian gallery to have taken part in all three editions of the prestigious Art Basel; and this year, it will participate in the FIAC in Paris, for the very first time. Last year, STPI collaborated with Singapore's own Ho Tzu Nyen, and they were selected for Art Basel's Unlimited section.This is a special achievement, as Unlimited is specially curated by Gianni Jetzer to showcase works that transcend the usual art fair stand, and this is the first time a Singaporean has been accepted for this section.

2. It's really wonderful how STPI enlarges the space for accomplished artists to find new trajectories in their work and to explore the medium of printmaking. Several recipients of the prestigious Cultural Medallion, which is the highest artistic accolade in Singapore –Chua Ek Kay, Han Sai Por, Amanda Heng, and Ong Kim Seng; as well as other outstanding artists such as Suzann Victor – have collaborated with STPI to wonderful effect.

3. STPI's artist collaborations have involved renowned Southeast Asian artists such as Philippines' Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, who are here with us this evening.STPI has also worked with internationally renowned Korean artists Do Ho Suh and Haegue Yang to develop their series of thread drawings and spice sheets respectively, and with Japanese artist Tabaimo, who is renowned for her immersive hand-drawn video installations.Tabaimo is also with us here tonight. We can be proud that STPI's made-in-Singapore works have been acquired by collectors the world over, as well as the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

4. So to Emi, Rita and the STPI team – I want to say congratulations! You offer something truly special to the practice of local, regional and international artists.And you have done us proud by bringing Singaporean and made-in-Singapore artwork to the international stage.

Conclusion

1. Of course, STPI's good work would not be possible without the help of its patrons and partners. I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone here tonight for supporting STPI. Your contributions, as art lovers and patrons of visual art, will go a long way not only in enabling our artists to create new work, but also in growing this gem of an institution as it brings made-in-Singapore art to the world.

2. And remember: for every dollar you give, STPI can get dollar-for-dollar matching from the Cultural Matching Fund, which provides matching grants to donations to non-profit arts and cultural organisations like STPI.

3. Have an enjoyable evening ahead.