The year 2016 was a significant one for many reasons for Singapore. The arts scene in the country enjoyed a boost thanks to the government looking to transform Singapore into an art destination. This meant that there were a plethora of gallery and museum events, as well as funding available for artists to create work simply for art’s sake instead of trying to cater to the idea of what might sell. Numbers for several special art events were up, showing an increase in interest for attending art festivals and other events.
However, Singapore is now facing a challenge of how to keep those numbers increasing, bringing art to people who haven’t yet experienced it. This responsibility resides in leaders of museums, galleries, and annual festivals in Singapore, and those positions are facing another challenge. Over the course of 2016, many leaders at significant properties, including the contemporary Singapore Art Museum, left their positions, leaving something of a leadership vacuum. This can be challenging for continuity purposes at the museums, since many new leaders wish to leave their own personal marks on the property, reversing directions the museum was going in previously under the past leader. However, one industry expert says that there isn’t much to worry about, as visitors will determine just what is or isn’t working for them.
Other initiatives to attract new visitors and continue to build on the growing numbers of 2016 in the new year includes new opportunities to interact with art. While National Gallery Singapore reported problems with museum visitors touching paintings that weren’t supposed to be touched, other museums could organize workshops and interactive art exhibits that encourage such hands-on activities. Another draw could include organizing art shows that highlight artists from around the world. This would give Singaporean art fans a window to learn about other cultures without ever having to leave the country. Art organizations could also think about offering artists in residence programs for foreign creatives. That way, there could be more of a cultural exchange between Singapore and other countries of the world, leading to creative opportunities for many down the road.
Are you in a slump at work or at school? Are you tired of doing the same old thing on evenings and weekends? Think about boosting your creative energy and finding something new to do by signing up for an art class today. SGArtClass.com is a one-stop shopping website that includes articles about different types of art genres and discounted art supplies for purchase. It also features an exhaustive list of different art classes to enroll in, each one taught by an experienced instructor. Choose from oil painting, mural painting, decorative painting, and many more. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never held a paintbrush before — art is well within your grasp.
To read more about last year’s artistic successes and challenges still facing Singapore’s art world, go to http://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/arts/leadership-direction-public-engagement-remain-challenges-arts-spore.