National Gallery Singapore marks first year in existence

National Gallery Singapore, which opened in the country to much fanfare this time last year ahead of 50th birthday celebrations, is now taking a sober look backward to see just what it can count as its successes over the last twelve months. While many positive things can be said about its early efforts, there have also been a series of lasting criticisms that have sent facility administrators looking for solutions.
Much of the good surrounding National Gallery Singapore has been on the high attendance numbers. To date, more than a million and a half visitors have traversed the combined space of the former supreme court and city hall buildings. The architectural masterpiece itself is one for the books, preserving the facades of the historic facilities while combing the space inside in a modern and stunning fashion. National Gallery Singapore has also been lauded for its permanent exhibits, which include the largest collection of Southeast Asia art in the world. However, some say that the facility would do well to expand more upon the performances and workshops they have. Since Southeast Asia is a broad region, there is much to be done to include broad programming for art from Singapore and its neighbors. Another boon to the operation is a center for youngsters, giving children a place to learn about art and be exposed to it from a young age.
Areas of improvement include being more sensitive to delicate issues. For example, in a recent gala organized to celebrate a new exhibit examining imperialism, National Gallery officials originally called it the Empire Ball. Decried on social media as being insensitive to controversial practices of colonialism, organizers swiftly revised the name. There have also been complaints that National Gallery Singapore is too focused on the marketing nature of museums, doing everything it can to attract new visitors and keep previous visitors coming back, but neglecting to focus on the one thing it’s there for — art. There is also much to be done in the way of educating visitors on how to behave in art museums. National Gallery Singapore has experienced unique issues in visitors touching art that is not meant to be interacted with in that fashion, running the risk of damaging historic and expensive works.
If you’ve been to National Gallery Singapore and found yourself inspired, harness that creative energy by signing up for an art class. Visit SGArtClass.com to see all the different art classes you can choose from. Start with a class on portrait drawing to impress your friends and family, and graduate to a class on caricature drawing to make them laugh. You might even surprise yourself and find a new passion, hobby, or even career in the art world. Classes on everything from nail art to fashion design could see you employed in a new job that you’re passionate about.
To look back on a year of National Gallery Singapore events and exhibits, go to http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/lifestyle/a-year-of-crowds-criticism-and-creativity-national-gallery/3306410.html.