Visual arts to Singapore

(Last updated: 26 Sep 2008)

Trends and opportunities

The market

Singapore has an emerging and vibrant commercial art scene. This is being encouraged by the Singaporean Government whose vision is to develop Singapore into a thriving global city by developing its arts and creative sectors.

In terms of Australian exports, Australian visual arts are highly regarded in the Singapore market. Commercial galleries are representing an increasing number of established and new Australian artists on their regular portfolio. Australian contemporary 2-D and 3-D art such as wall paintings, sculptures, ceramics, studio glass, prints, and photography are all being used to decorate homes, public spaces, hotels, and corporate spaces in Singapore’s overall landscape.

In 2005, a total of A$25 million worth of art and collectibles were transacted in Singapore. For an island with a relatively small population – four million – this substantial volume is because Singapore is considered the South East Asian hub for art collectors and auction houses in the region. Art collectors regularly visit Singapore to keep updated on what’s available in the market and to actively participate in auctions and trade fairs such as ARTSingapore.

Opportunities

With an increase in the number of visual arts exhibitions in Singapore and the Singaporean government’s focus on developing a vibrant art scene, there are a number of opportunities for Australian artists across all visual arts genres including sculpture, painting and photography. For more information on opportunities in the market please contact Austrade Singapore.

Competitive environment

The contemporary art market in Singapore is highly competitive. There are more than 200 visual arts companies in Singapore. Most focus on Chinese arts and South East Asian art (ie. Indonesian, Vietnamese and Filipino art). Artists who are unknown to the market find themselves competing with Chinese and South East Asian artists.  

However, regardless of the competitive market, Australian artists are still sought after by commercial galleries in Singapore.

Tariffs, regulations and customs

All goods and services in Singapore are subjected to Goods and Services Tax (GST) at a rate of 7 per cent.

Marketing your products and services

Market entry

Because the visual arts market in Singapore is highly competitive it is important to have a well researched marketing plan. Key factors in marketing your products include the following:

• Galleries plan at least a year in advance and will require artist commitment to the show.
• Know your price range and flexibility before you meet with galleries.
• Perform background checks on all galleries to ensure that you are working with reputable organisations.

Distribution channels

There are a number of festivals and trade fairs in Singapore that provide good opportunities for the Australian visual arts industry to raise Australia’s profile and export its products, services, and talents. These include: ArtSingapore and Singapore Biennale.

The following venue operators and commercial galleries include visual arts exhibition in their program: 

• Esplanade – www.esplanade.com
• The Substation – www.substation.org
• The Arts House – www.theartshouse.com.sg
• Local art galleries

Links and industry contacts

Visual arts–related resources

ARTSingapore – www.artsingapore.net
Singapore Biennale – www.singaporebiennale.org

Government, business and trade resources for Singapore

Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore – www.iras.gov.sg
Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts – www.mica.gov.sg
National Arts Council – www.nac.gov.sg
Singapore Art gallery guide – www.sagg.com.sg

Education institutions

Laselle College of the Arts – www.lasalle.edu.sg
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts – www.nafa.com.sg
National University of Singapore – www.nus.edu.sg
School of the Arts, Singapore – www.sota.edu.sg

Contact details

The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government’s trade and investment development agency, operating as a statutory agency within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio.

Austrade assists Australian businesses contribute to national prosperity by succeeding in trade and investment, internationally, and promoting and supporting productive foreign investment into Australia.

Austrade:

• Delivers services that assist Australian businesses initiate, sustain and grow trade and outward investment.
• Promotes Australia as an inward investment destination and, with the States and Territories, supports the inflow of productive foreign direct investment.
• Administers the Export Market Development Grants scheme.
• Undertakes initiatives designed to improve community awareness of, and commitment to, international trade and investment.
• Provides advice to the Australian Government on its trade and investment development activities.
• Delivers consular, passport and other government services in designated overseas locations.

A list of Austrade offices (in alphabetical order of country) is available.

More information

For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au

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