REDEFINING SOUTHEAST ASIA'S ART SCENE

As Art SG gears up for its third edition in January 2025, the art fair anchoring Singapore Art Week continues to elevate the region's profile and strengthen Singapore's emergence as a new hub of Southeast Asian art.

- Words: Y-JEAN MUN-DELSALLE

Having debuted in 2023 as the world was emerging from COVID-19, Art SG is back for the third year running. More than ever, art fairs are becoming an essential element of Asia's art market, and it was only logical that after Art Basel Hong Kong and Frieze Seoul, Singapore should have its own – and one that focuses on Southeast Asian art. Apart from addressing the issue of carbon emissions by reducing long-distance travel, regional fairs bring regional art to local audiences. “Art SG has significantly contributed to the growing interest in the art market in Singapore,” announces fair director, Shuyin Yang. “According to the 2024 Art Basel and UBS Survey, 97 per cent of Singapore’s high-net-worth collectors are optimistic about the global art market, with many preferring to purchase art at art fairs. This highlights the pivotal role Art SG plays as a critical platform for local collectors to explore both international and Southeast Asian contemporary art.”

As the region’s largest international art fair, Art SG is establishing itself as a cornerstone of Southeast Asia’s art scene. Over the past two editions, it has not only showcased Singapore’s potential as a global cultural hub, but has also served as a springboard for Southeast Asia’s dynamic and wide-ranging group of contemporary artists to gain worldwide visibility.