Promoting more two-way exchanges among Singaporean and Mexican artists

Ambassadors and Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. I'm very happy to join you this evening for the opening of this sculpture exhibition by Mr Jorge Marín.

2.  Mr Marín's exhibition could not have come at a better time. Many of you know that Singapore will celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence next year. Next year is also the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Mexico.

3. So, it is apt and timely that for the very first time, a sculpture exhibition of this scale from Mexico is being presented here in Singapore.

4. It is a wonderful opportunity for all Singaporeans to appreciate and admire the works of one of Latin America's most accomplished artists, Mr Jorge Marín, without having to travel all the way to Mexico.

5. And what we have here is more than just an exhibition – there are also fringe activities such as a children's workshop, as well as a lecture for arts students and members of the public.

6. So I thank the organisers, together with Mr Marín, for engaging our youth and community and enriching our experience of the arts.

7. I hope that today's event will be the start of even more cultural exchanges between our countries.

8. Singapore and Mexico have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural and Artistic Cooperation.

9. So our National Arts Council and the Mexican Council for Culture and the Arts will be working together to promote more two-way exchanges among Singaporean and Mexican artists.

10. For Singaporeans, this means more opportunities to experience Mexico's rich cultural heritage through paintings, sculptures, music, theatre and film.

11. For Singaporean artists, arts groups and arts institutions, it means more opportunities to showcase their works to new audiences overseas.

12. To further support our artists in overseas markets, I had recently announced the setting up of a new $20 million cultural diplomacy fund. This will help boost our efforts to profile Singapore's creative and cultural assets abroad.

13. Besides international exchanges, we are also doing more to develop the arts within our own city. One key strategy is to make art an integral part of our cityscape.

14. Through this exhibition, we see how sculptures can shape and transform our public spaces. This is why we have decided to set up a Public Art Trust to commission, display, and maintain public artworks in Singapore.

15. The Trust will focus on commissioning artworks from Singaporean artists. But we also envisage the possibility of collaborations between Singaporean artists and their counterparts overseas.

16. Our aim is to have our public spaces filled with art – art that will reflect our distinctive Singaporean character and identity, and that will make our streets stand out, not only for their skyscrapers, but also for their beauty and creativity.

17. Finally, let me also say that I am grateful to the Mexican Embassy in Singapore, UOB, Sembcorp Marine and other partners for your generosity in making this exhibition possible.

18. Indeed, this partnership between the different stakeholders is very much in line with our approach for growing the arts and culture scene in Singapore – it is an approach that calls for a strong and sustainable partnership between the state, corporations, individuals and also our friends from overseas.

19. We are excited about the development of the arts scene in Singapore, and we look forward to working with all of you to make Singapore a cultural city, and leading arts centre in Asia.

20. Thank you, and have a pleasant evening.