About Singapore art museum
Singapore Art Museum: The Home of Contemporary Art in Southeast Asia
Singapore is a city-state that has been known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. One of the most prominent institutions that have contributed to this scene is the Singapore Art Museum (SAM). SAM is the first fully dedicated visual arts museum in Singapore, and it houses one of the world's most important collections of contemporary art by artists from Singapore, Southeast Asia, and Asia.
The museum was established in 1996 as a result of a collaboration between the National Heritage Board and the Ministry of Information and Arts. Since then, it has become an iconic institution that showcases contemporary art from around the region. SAM's mission is to promote contemporary art practices in Southeast Asia by providing a platform for artists to showcase their works.
SAM's collection comprises over 9,000 artworks across various mediums such as painting, sculpture, installation art, video art, photography, and performance art. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Liu Kang (Singapore), Affandi (Indonesia), Montien Boonma (Thailand), Yayoi Kusama (Japan), Ai Weiwei (China) among others.
The museum also hosts several exhibitions throughout the year that feature both emerging and established artists from around Southeast Asia. These exhibitions are curated with great care to provide visitors with an immersive experience into contemporary Asian art practices.
Apart from showcasing artworks at its premises on Bras Basah Road in central Singapore, SAM also collaborates with other museums globally to bring its collection to audiences worldwide. In recent years SAM has collaborated with institutions such as Tate Modern London UK; Mori Art Museum Tokyo Japan; Queensland Gallery Australia; Guggenheim New York USA among others.
SAM also offers educational programs for students ranging from primary school level up through tertiary education levels. These programs aim at promoting critical thinking skills through engagement with contemporary artworks while fostering creativity among young people.
In conclusion,
The Singapore Art Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in contemporary art from Southeast Asia and beyond. With its extensive collection of artworks, exhibitions, and educational programs, SAM has become an iconic institution that promotes contemporary art practices in the region. Whether you are an art enthusiast or just looking for a unique cultural experience, SAM is the perfect place to explore the rich diversity of Asian contemporary art.