Launching a city-state onto the Asian and international arts scene

“Many dealers and collectors had initially written off the fair as just another commercial effort by the Singapore government to compete with Hong Kong. Most art experts predicted that it would be an uphill climb for Singapore’s fledgling art scene. But judging by the top VIPs, collectors and artists at the fair’s preview, the organizers pulled off what many thought impossible: launching Singapore onto the international arts scene.”

The above observation in The Wall street Journal report sums up the huge success that Art Stage Singapore has been in its debut year. The event’s philosophy revolved around two cornerstones: a focus on the highest quality through precise selection/ presentation of art in relevant context. Looking beyond prevailing commercial trends and saleability, the event looked to support innovative artistic experiments by giving a platform for talented emerging artists and new galleries of the region.

In addition, it showcased art in a historical context by comprising the best of Asian modern art presented by specialists. It also displayed works in an artistic context through a series of special projects and well-thought curated presentations. Featuring over 20 projects specially created for the fair, ‘Project Stage’ allowed promising artists from Asia Pacific to engage with curators, collectors and critics, for the discovery of new talents in the region. The fair director, Lorenzo Rudolf, stated:

“The Asian market and the Southeast Asian art scene is currently limited by industry and market infrastructure, with few opportunities to access an international audience. They need to be able to compete with the international art scene and art market as that is the only way for them to become an international success.”

There were a series of exciting fringe events as well. Special lectures on Asian contemporary art were arranged for collectors, wealthy potential buyers as well as for art lovers keen to learn more about art. Project Stage, Art Stage Singapore’s exciting new curated platform, was dedicated to cutting edge artists and innovative art spaces on the Asia Pacific art scene. It was aimed at discovering the next big emerging artists and galleries from the region, so that they could engage with the international art scene.