Introduction
The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is a contemporary art museum located in the heart of Singapore’s cultural district. Established in 1996, the museum is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building that was formerly known as the St. Joseph’s Institution. The museum’s mission is to preserve and present contemporary art from Southeast Asia and beyond. SAM has become a leading institution in Southeast Asia’s contemporary art scene and has established itself as a hub for art lovers, artists, and scholars.
History
The Singapore Art Museum has its roots in the National Museum Art Gallery, which was established in 1976. The gallery was the first museum in Singapore dedicated to the promotion and development of contemporary art. In 1996, the gallery was renamed the Singapore Art Museum and moved to its current location at 71 Bras Basah Road. The museum was officially opened by the then-Prime Minister of Singapore, Goh Chok Tong.
The museum’s building was originally constructed in 1855 as a Catholic boys’ school known as St. Joseph’s Institution. The building was later used as a military hospital during World War II and then as a government office before being converted into an art museum. The building was restored in the mid-1990s by a team of architects and conservationists to preserve its historic features while also adapting it for its new use as an art museum.
Collections
The Singapore Art Museum’s collection consists of over 10,000 works of contemporary art from Singapore, Southeast Asia, and beyond. The museum’s collection is focused on contemporary art, with an emphasis on works from the 1990s onwards. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, installations, videos, and other multimedia works.
The museum’s collection is organized into four main categories: Singapore Art, Southeast Asian Art, Asian Contemporary Art, and International Contemporary Art. The Singapore Art collection includes works by some of Singapore’s most renowned artists, including Cheong Soo Pieng, Chen Wen Hsi, and Lim Tze Peng. The Southeast Asian Art collection includes works by artists from countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The Asian Contemporary Art collection includes works by artists from countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and India. The International Contemporary Art collection includes works by artists from around the world.
Exhibitions
The Singapore Art Museum is known for its innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions that showcase the best of contemporary art from Southeast Asia and beyond. The museum hosts a range of exhibitions throughout the year, including solo and group exhibitions, as well as thematic exhibitions.
One of the museum’s most popular exhibitions is the Singapore Biennale, which is held every two years and features works by artists from around the world. The Biennale is a platform for artists to showcase their works and engage with audiences in Singapore and beyond. The Singapore Biennale has become a major event in Singapore’s cultural calendar and attracts visitors from all over the world.
The museum also hosts a range of other exhibitions, including solo shows by up-and-coming artists, thematic exhibitions that explore specific themes or issues, and retrospectives of established artists. Recent exhibitions at the museum have included “Odyssey: Navigating Nameless Seas,” which explored the relationship between humans and the sea, and “Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea,” which explored the world of marine life through art.
Programs and Events
In addition to its exhibitions, the Singapore Art Museum also hosts a range of programs and events that engage with audiences and promote contemporary art in Singapore and beyond. The museum’s programs and events include talks, workshops, film screenings, and performances.
One of the museum’s flagship programs is SAM Late Nights, which takes place on the last Friday of every month. SAM Late Nights features a range of activities, including music performances, workshops, and guided tours of the museum’s exhibitions. SAM Late Nights is a popular event among young adults and has become a way for the museum to reach out to a wider audience.
The museum also hosts a range of educational programs for students of all ages, including school tours, workshops, and teacher training programs. The museum’s educational programs are designed to promote an understanding and appreciation of contemporary art among students and to encourage creativity and critical thinking.
The Singapore Art Museum also collaborates with other institutions and organizations to host joint exhibitions and programs. Recent collaborations have included partnerships with the National Gallery Singapore, the Singapore International Film Festival, and the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Conclusion
The Singapore Art Museum has established itself as a leading institution in Southeast Asia’s contemporary art scene. Its collection of over 10,000 works of contemporary art from Singapore, Southeast Asia, and beyond, its innovative exhibitions, and its range of programs and events have made it a hub for art lovers, artists, and scholars. The museum’s location in the heart of Singapore’s cultural district and its beautiful historic building add to its appeal as a must-visit destination for anyone interested in contemporary art.
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FAQ's
What is SAM Residencies? What makes it different from other residencies?
SAM Residencies is a fully funded, studio-based programme that promotes experimental thinking about and around contemporary art practices. It is a museum-run programme consisting of four residency types, developed to actively engage not only the local and international artistic community, but also the public at large. Unique to the Southeast Asian region are the Community & Education Residency and EX-SITU: Art Spaces Residency where, through a diverse lineup of activities, Residents will be encouraged to interact with or involve local communities and the public in different ways. The Community & Education Residency will support practitioners who explore the relationship between art practice and forms of education, or whose core practice engages with local communities or the public. The EX-SITU: Art Spaces Residency is targeted at Asia-based independent art organisations and collectives and will explore innovative ways of activating public spaces to engage with the local art scene and public.
Who is SAM Residencies for?
Local and international practitioners (individual or group) across all disciplines of the arts over the age of 21 are welcomed to apply. Please look out for announcements on the next open call.
Can I apply for more than one residency type?
No. Each applicant should apply for only one residency type per cycle.
Can I apply for more than one cycle?
Yes. We encourage applicants who were not selected for one cycle to apply for subsequent cycles. Selection of Residents for each cycle is guided by subject interests. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply for the cycle where the focused areas of the programme align with their research interest and practice.
What are the residency periods?
Residency periods range between one to six month duration throughout the cycle.
What facilities are available to SAM Residents?
Residents will be provided with studios or co-working spaces, and access to shared residency spaces. As a museum-run initiative, Residents will also benefit from institution resources and expertise, network building and opportunities for public engagement. Housing allowance will also be provided for foreign residents.
What is expected of a SAM Resident?
Residents are expected to participate in collective activities organised by the SAM Residencies team, contribute to the Residencies blog and initiate at least one (1) programme that is targeted for public audience, in any format as agreed with the SAM Residencies team. There is no expectation on residents to produce resolved works/projects while in residence. International Residents must be able to commit to the short-term stay in Singapore for the duration of their residency.
