Singapore Biennale 2006

Through the conceptual framework of BELIEF, the curatorial team led by Artistic Director Fumio Nanjo, have invited a rich and varied selection of artists to examine the complex questions that surround and inform the questions of belief, which manifest in contemporary society. Under the theme of BELIEF, this groundbreaking cultural event will be experienced across the unique cityscape of Singapore - one of Asia's most extraordinary examples of cosmopolitan faiths, values and cultural heritages.

The world today is complex and diverse, fraught with war and terrorism. As Samuel Huntington suggests in his book, The Clash of Civilisations, is it really impossible for people with different values and faiths to live together peacefully? In this age of ever-diversifying and mixed value systems, what should people believe in and live by? To live moment-by-moment is also to make choices from multiple possibilities. What do we base on to live by these decisions? Some people believe in the absolute truth of religion; others believe in the rules of capitalism and economics; others in progress and development; and yet others believe in the values of nature and the environment. Love and Art can also become ways or pointers by which to live.

Although Singapore is a small island nation, different faiths, languages, and ethnic groups coexist without violent conflict. It is perhaps fitting then to reflect on the meaning of belief today in such a society. Through art, can we once again think about what binds us together as human beings? This seemingly straightforward yet potentially complex question underpins the first edition of the Singapore Biennale.

"The basis of the artist selection was generated by the way in which their practices engage with the complex and multiple dimensions of belief"

Artistic Director Fumio Nanjo remarks.

"In fact, many of the artists are participating in a biennale for the first time, though this was by no means a criterion for selection. A further consideration was the unique characteristics and challenges of the exhibition venues. This was also key to identifying artists and how their works would engage with the Singaporean public. I hope that this exhibition will be a stimulating, enjoyable and perhaps even stirring experience for all."

20 July 2006

Source:www.singaporebiennale.org

Organised by the National Arts Council (Singapore) in partnership with the National Heritage Board of Singapore, SB2006 opens to the public from 4 September to 12 November 2006. The first international contemporary art exhibition is curated by Fumio Nanjo, internationally reputed for having headed the programming and adjudication of major art events throughout the world.

As the anchor cultural event for Singapore 2006: Global City. World of Opportunities, SB2006 provides the platform for the presentation of international art in dialogue with Singapore and Asia. Singapore 2006 is the umbrella event where Singapore will play host to the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group.

Singapore 2006 showcases Singapore as a global city with a world of opportunities. It is a series of events which highlights Singapore as a dynamic, well-connected and entrepreneurial economy with tremendous opportunities in the financial, business, technology and creative industries sectors. It also puts the spotlight on Singapore as a cosmopolitan society where arts and culture thrive.

Singapore 2006 includes the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, the Program of Seminars 2006, Raffles Forum 2006, the Institute of International Finance Annual Membership Meeting, Per Jacobsson Lecture, International Banking Seminar by the Group of Thirty, the inaugural Singapore Biennale and many other meetings and events to be held in September 2006.

In a historical move, three Asian Biennales are collaborating on a joint promotional campaign for the first time. From 1st to 9th September 2006, the Singapore, Shanghai and Gwangju Biennale openings and events will take place in succession.

20 July 2006

Source:www.singaporebiennale.org