Organised by the National Arts Council, Singapore, the Singapore Biennale aims to position Singapore prominently as an international centre and regional thought leader in the field of visual art. It encourages Singapore artists and Singapore to engage with the international art world, through the invitation of regional and international artists to exhibit with Singapore artists, and for Singapore to join the international community of art biennales whose language is mainly conducted through the medium of contemporary art.

As a platform for collaborations with the global arts community, the Biennale provides new opportunities for Singapore visual artists and arts businesses, and is a significant opportunity to cultivate deeper public engagement with the arts. It complements the achievements of other areas of the arts and cultural scene, collectively enhancing Singapore’s international image as a vibrant city to live, work, play.

The Singapore Biennale 2008 (SB2008), ran from 11 September to 16 November 2008. Led by Artistic Director Fumio Nanjo and curators Joselina Cruz and Matthew Ngui, the Biennale featured 137 artworks by 66 artists and art collectives from over 36 countries and regions including Singapore.

SB2008, through its theme WONDER, investigated the articulation and creation of marvels, riddles and illusions in our world today. Its conceptual scope issued a challenge to the contemporary world, a world that no longer questions choices, nor allows for things and events to awe us. Through contemporary art, Wonder called on everyone to question and be curious; to reach beyond the surface, surpassing the apparent and to allow ourselves to be surprised, awed, tantalised and challenged. All of which is an aperture to the World.

Watch this space for information on the next edition of Singapore Biennale!