ART SG will kick-off its third edition from 17-19 January 2025. In addition to showcasing art pieces and works by the region’s best artists, the art fair has also launched a new benefactor-led fund. The SAM ART SG fund is set to be a game-changer for Southeast Asia’s art scene.
Why The SAM ART SG Fund Matters
One of the primary ways the new fund will support artists is through the annual acquisitions for Singapore Art Museum’s permanent collection of international and Southeast Asian contemporary art. The fund will allocate SGD $150,000 for acquiring artworks by leading and emerging artists at the international art fair.
Art acquisitions will become part of SAM’s permanent collection.
Most significantly, these acquisitions will become part of SAM’s permanent collection, reinforcing the museum’s role as a node for contemporary art and contributing to a culture of philanthropy. The fund is possible through the generous contributions of arts patrons alongside other anonymous donors. Zong Han, Cultural Strategist, and Shuyin Yang, Fair Director ART SG will be providing advisory support.
Yang explains that the initiative will significantly broaden the fair’s impact within the local art and culture landscape. “It will foster connections between artists, galleries and institutions, and support the expansion of the Art Museum’s collection of international art, alongside its world-class Southeast Asian permanent collection.”
Long Term Vision
The fund will support SAM’s acquisition of significant artworks at each edition of ART SG.
Recurring annually for an initial commitment period of three years, the fund will support SAM’s acquisition of significant artworks at each edition of ART SG. Following their acquisition, artworks will be made available for public viewing through SAM’s exhibition programming. This dedicated effort will also elevate visual arts education whilst expanding public access to art.
“This initiative will grow the breadth of SAM’s collection and strengthen our commitment to collecting works by international artists that engage meaningfully with global and regional discourses,” adds Eugene Tan, CEO and Director, Singapore Art Museum, said: “We thank our patrons and partners for supporting the growth of our collection to benefit our audiences.”
According to Magnus Renfrew, Co-Founder, ART SG, the inauguration of the SAM ART SG Fund is an important indicator of Singapore’s increasing importance as a cultural hub within Asia Pacific. “We’re thrilled to see this ambitious project come to fruition, and eagerly support its role in bolstering the local ecosystem and create a legacy for generations to come.”
