Singapore Art Week 2024: Catch what it’s about

It’s a festival of visual arts as art literally takes over Singapore! Image credit: National Gallery Singapore

SAW 2024, organised by the National Arts Council (NAC), is set to unfold from 19 to 28 January 2024. The tagline, Art Takes Over, aptly describes the transformative experience awaiting art enthusiasts, collectors, and the public. 

The essence of SAW 2024

Travel across different continents in Southeast Asia through the world of art at SAW 2024. Image credit: Art Outreach Singapore

SAW 2024 offers an eclectic mix of art experiences across various Singapore precincts. From the heart of the city to its vibrant heartlands, the event promises a rich exploration of Singapore and Southeast Asian art. Attendees can engage in dialogues on global art trends, understanding the role of art in culture, history, and identity. The event also emphasises the importance of creative collaborations and innovative presentations, reflecting Singapore's dynamic arts ecosystem.

The cultural impact

Are you ready for a deep dive into all things arts and culture? Image credit: ART SG

SAW 2024 not only showcases art but also fosters dialogue and critical thinking within the arts community. It serves as a nexus for policymakers, arts professionals, and industry experts to discuss the creative economy's role in the sustainability of the arts sector. Art fairs such as ART SG and curated platform S.E.A. Focus are set to make Singapore a centre of excellence for visual arts practices, alongside talks like the Environmentally Engaged Artistic Practices in South, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Symposium by the NTU Centre of Contemporary Arts.

Something for everyone everywhere

Discover art all around you and bring them home! Image credit: Art Outreach Singapore

The events and exhibitions in SAW 2024 aren’t confined to just art galleries and museums. There are surprising venues and locations all across the island, especially with the collaboration between the NAC and the People’s Association’s PAssionArts movement. For the second year running, PassionArts and SAW will bring visual arts to the community through a series of participatory exhibitions in our heartlands. You can even bring artwork closer to home by literally bringing them home, with Art Outreach’s Off The Wall murals interpreting Chinese folklore and traditions being turned into customisable prints available for purchase.

Some Events to Catch

It would be quite the challenge to Catch every single exhibition available during SAW 2024, so we’ve listed a few we think you might enjoy:

• THE 5th VH AWARD Exhibition
  Organised by Hyundai Motor Group, in partnership with the National Arts Council

  • 21 January to 4 February 2024 at Objectifs – Centre for Photography and Film.

  • Showcasing works by Grand Prix recipient Subash Thebe Limbu and finalists like Zike He and Riar Rizaldi, the exhibition explores interactions with technology and addresses social, environmental concerns, and the future of artificial intelligence.

• Translations: Afro-Asian Poetics
  Presented by The Institutum, curated by Zoe Whitley

  • 17 to 30 January 2024 across various venues including Gillman Barracks and Restaurant Nouri. 

  • Featuring artists like Zanele Muholi and Sonia Boyce, this exhibition delves into the connections between African and Asian diasporas through contemporary art.

• Rough by The Pierre Lorinet Collection,
  Organised by Art Outreach, curated by Edward Mitterrand

  • 12 to 28 January 2024 at Gillman Barracks.

  • A showcase of contemporary art collections featuring artists like Ai Weiwei and Rashid Johnson, offering perspectives on contemporary art's raw nature.

• Our Children by Tang Da Wu
  Presented by Art Outreach

  • 12 January to 4 February 2024 at Art Outreach, Gillman Barracks.

  • A performance installation exploring themes of filial piety and education.

• Ho Tzu Nyen: Time & the Tiger at Singapore Art Museum

  • 24 November 2023 to 3 March 2024.

  • A survey of Ho Tzu Nyen's work over two decades, featuring paintings, films, and video installations.

• ARTWALK Festival
  Organised by LASALLE College of the Arts and Singapore Tourism Board

  • 19 to 28 January 2024.

  • An art trail through the vibrant neighbourhoods of Little India, Katong, and Joo Chiat

Of course, this only scratches the surface of what SAW 2024 offers. Discover the myriad ways art can inspire, challenge, and transform perspectives, and you’ll realise how truly Art Takes Over. Do check back here as we bring you more SAW 2024 events we think you’ll enjoy.

For more information on SAW 2024, visit Singapore Art Week's official website and follow their social media channels at @sgartweek. 

Top image credit: Singapore Art Week 2024