Eugene Tan Outlines Vision for Singapore Art Museum's 'Disappearing' Model and New Tanjong Pagar Outpost
Eugene Tan, who serves as the director of both the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) and the National Gallery Singapore (NGS), has introduced a new 'disappearing' museum model aimed at decentralizing art. In early 2022, SAM plans to launch a 3,300sqm facility at Tanjong Pagar Distripark while its original site undergoes a S$90-million renovation, now postponed to 2026 due to the impacts of COVID-19. Tan stresses the importance of art extending beyond museum walls, addressing contemporary themes such as decolonization and environmental issues. He also notes the challenges faced in arts administration, the necessity for nurturing cultural leaders, and the significance of state funding. Additionally, he points out NGS's commitment to enhancing the representation of women artists, which currently exceeds 10%.
Key facts
- Eugene Tan is director of Singapore Art Museum (SAM) and National Gallery Singapore (NGS).
- SAM will open a permanent 3,300sqm outpost at Tanjong Pagar Distripark in early 2022.
- SAM's original buildings at Bras Basah and Queen Street are closed for a S$90-million refurbishment delayed to 2026.
- Tan promotes a 'disappearing' museum model to diffuse art experiences across Singapore.
- SAM focuses on present-day contemporary art, while NGS covers art histories of Singapore and Southeast Asia.
- Tan identifies decolonization, ideology, environment, and neoliberal structures as key issues for art to address.
- Gillman Barracks, an art cluster launched in 2012, has faced tenant exits but clustering remains relevant.
- Women artists represent slightly over 10% of NGS and SAM collections, a gap being addressed.
Entities
Artists
- Eugene Tan
Institutions
- Singapore Art Museum
- National Gallery Singapore
- ArtReview Asia
- Singapore Economic Development Board
- Gillman Barracks
- Silverlens
- Sullivan + Strumpf
- St Joseph’s Institution
- Catholic High School
- Ruangrupa
- Documenta
- Komunuma
- Lowenbraukunst
Locations
- Singapore
- Tanjong Pagar Distripark
- Bras Basah
- Queen Street
- Philippines
- Australia
- Paris
- France
- Zürich
- Switzerland
- Southeast Asia
- Venice
- Italy