Introduced as a new anchor event of the annual Singapore Art Week (SAW) in 2023, international art fair ART SG had big shoes they had to fill and high expectations. But last year, they seemed to struck gold with their approach towards curating and setting up an art fair, not only making strong sales, but also incorporating a well-thought out list of partners and engaging programmes that ensured it would leave the powerful first impression it wanted to.

Now, with its second edition behind it, ART SG has exceeded expectations once again, bringing together 114 galleries from 33 countries around the world, and clocking in a record 45,303 visitors over the exhibition period, alongside massive sales from various galleries. While attending this year’s fair, we spoke to ART SG Co-Founder Magnus Renfrew and Director Shuyin Yang to pick their brains on what goes into making an art fair such a success, and their own future plans in the years to come.

“Compared to last year, there’s been a big step forward in how Singapore has embraced the fair; there’s been so much activity happening as part of Art Week, and it really shows how Singapore has so much potential to develop the scene in the future, with wonderful exhibitions received by visitors and exhibitors, and incredible private initiatives as well,” says Magnus. “Because of Art Week, Singapore has become the focal point of dynamic conversations, with parties every night and tourists coming down to have a wonderful time experiencing the country’s hospitality. I’m glad I’m here experiencing it and watching it all unfold, where even on the final day, you wind up having some exciting moments where people come back to buy a piece they spot after thinking over it.”

“To me at least, ART SG has helped put Singapore on the map and a key calendar event in the year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to attract tourists, as well as investors from Southeast Asia and considering there are over 650 million people here, it stands to reason that it should be tapping on that market too,” he adds. “Singapore happens to also be a great central location where a major art fair like ART SG should be held, and it really brings collectors together from different constituencies, and then connect them to the rest of Asia.”

More than just the chance to browse and make a sale, ART SG also becomes a key networking event and chance for various stakeholders to meet in person. “All art fairs are sales opportunities, but it’s also a good time for galleries to meet new and potential buyers to maintain traction for future business, and it in turn gives them means to support artists during shows and to do more creative and experimental shows,” says Shuyin. “It helps the ecosystem all around, and art fairs remain a necessary commercial platform amidst museums and galleries; even if we have no direct involvement, it becomes a catalyst for gatherings, and fosters more gallery and artist relationships, and for like-minded collectors to meet.”

“When they have a network of peers and friends who share this interest in art, it makes the experience of travelling the globe for art more enjoyable. A lot of that stems from the initial curiosity, and when they see cluster of galleries curated to a certain level, that quality makes them comfortable to acquire artworks, and more willing to discover new things,” she continues. “Through the act of discovery, you end up fuelling that passion, and some of the most esteemed collectors know even more than I do because they don’t want to miss out on anything.”

In terms of why they feel Singapore is an ideal location to host the fair, both Shuyin and Magnus focus on the diversity and energy that emerges from Southeast Asia as a whole. “It’s a pleasure to be able to show foreigners this side of Singapore, some of whom may even be discovering Southeast Asia for the first time, and many of them have been impressed by the strength of production,” says Magnus. “Watching them speak to each other, they do indeed exchange best practices, not just in terms of selling but in terms of the practice of an artist. After all, a gallery is the custodian of an artist’s future, and our own selection process is rigorous, where we have only the best galleries at fair, to promote this idea of a cycle of sharing and building on a strong foundation.”

“We really do think the fair is important as a means of exchange and exposure – we have young artists who are getting so much attention, and being noticed by institutions like the Singapore Art Museum or the Mori Art Museum in Japan,” says Shuyin. “And while it may be tempting to think that some of these buyers are just here for the prestige, I do actually know of a dedicated collector who does incredible work by supporting artists and foundations, who only joined the ART SG advisory board on the condition there would be no pretentious art talk at all!”

ART SG would also not be possible without its partners, such as presenting partner UBS and venue partner Marina Bay Sands. “Our partners have been so amazing; UBS has been integral towards inviting guests to our VIP events and getting them excited since September, and they’ve also set up a philanthropy conference for 250 of their wealthiest clients to steer them towards supporting the arts,” says Magnus. “Meanwhile, Marina Bay Sands is without doubt one of the leading venues in the world and the team have been so committed and encouraging of our activities here, especially with how the ArtScience Museum has been helping co-host the film programme, alongside the hospitality offered.”

“We’re also immensely appreciative to bodies such as the Singapore Tourism Board and National Arts Council, who have both come together to deliver fantastic events like a party at the National Gallery Singapore, and really to see that willingness to hype up Art Week with so many events an to showcase all that Singapore has to offer,” says Shuyin.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve done with ART SG, and it’s been so encouraging to see the scene grow, where private collectors are opening up their own homes to share their collections, or gathering to put on a group show. It’s so integral towards starting those conversations to help grow the market,” says Magnus. “Historically, a major art fair has always a gathering of constituencies, where there’s no real central narrative. But for Singapore, it’s been strengthening its stake in the arts so much in the last five years, and you really feel this growth in collecting culture develop here, and people have become very optimistic to have the opportunity to see and engage with contemporary art.”

“We’ve seen very good attendance and response from locals and even our neighbours in Malaysia, who do drive down and buy works of art, so it seems to anchor Singapore as a hub for both locals and visitors,” says Shuyin. “I was so happy to see all these thought leaders coming down for this edition and enjoying it, and I think we’ve found our place in the busy arts calendar. There’s a lot of pressure to get the fair up and running, with its own share of challenges, but I believe it’s also immensely rewarding to be a part of this fair.”

“As time goes on, we’re still interested in reducing intimidation when it comes to engagement with art, especially for people who might feel too self-conscious or embarrassed to ask questions, but once it happens, they love the journey they’re on,” concludes Magnus. “We do want to expand the fair in the coming years, but certainly in a more measured way, alongside the growing market. I’m so thrilled we’ve had such a good response this year, and I hope everyone who came down enjoyed the experience of being here in Singapore, watching the art scene blossom.”

ART SG 2024 runs from 18th to 21st January 2024. Tickets and more information available here