This November, the Affordable Art Fair Singapore returns to the F1 Pit Building with its most dynamic edition since 2019, inviting visitors to see, make, and collect art in a celebration of creativity and community. Featuring 95 galleries, hands-on workshops, immersive installations, and family-friendly activities, the Fair continues to make art accessible to all. Building on last year’s record of 22,000 visitors and S$5.3 million in art sales, the 2025 edition deepens its Southeast Asian focus through the debut of the Ubah Rumah Art Residency Showcase, spotlighting regional artists exploring ecology, care, and shared histories.

Beyond the gallery booths, this year’s Fair transforms into a living canvas of experiences, from large-scale sculptures and live artist takeovers to tactile explorations in the #SPOTLIGHT exhibition on materials and textures. Visitors can join workshops led by artists and educators from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), discover participatory art projects, or unwind in creative spaces like the Art Lounge. The Fair also continues its meaningful partnership with the Caregiving Welfare Association (CWA), underscoring its belief that art should inspire, comfort, and connect every member of the community.

Now in its 16th year, the Affordable Art Fair Singapore remains a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, a place where first-time buyers and seasoned collectors alike can discover the joy and purpose of collecting art. With initiatives such as the Children’s Art Studio and the use of SG Culture Pass credits, the Fair reaffirms its mission to make art appreciation both inclusive and inspiring, nurturing a new generation of creators and collectors.

At the heart of this vibrant movement is Alan Koh, Fair Director and one of the founding members who brought the Affordable Art Fair to Asia in 2010. Appointed Director in 2015, Alan has guided the Fair through a decade of growth and innovation, championing not just the art market but the spirit of community behind it. Under his leadership, the Fair has flourished as a platform where art and accessibility meet, reflecting his belief that creativity belongs to everyone, and that every artwork, like every story, deserves to be seen and shared. We spoke to him about this year’s fair, new initiatives, and the important role it continues to play in the local art scene. Read the interview in full below:

Bakchormeeboy: Congrats on reaching the 18th edition of Affordable Art Fair Singapore. What do you feel is the most significant and unique aspect of the Fair this year?

Alan: It feels quite special to reach our 18th edition, a real coming-of-age moment for the Fair and for Singapore’s art scene. What stands out this year is how many younger collectors are coming through. 53% of our visitors last year were under the age of 45, and that number continues to grow. We are seeing more visitors in their 20s and 30s buying their first piece of art, which is incredibly encouraging. 

At the same time, our galleries are presenting a wider range of works, from traditional painting to installation and new media, while still keeping art approachable. With 95 galleries and thousands of artworks, the Fair continues to be a space where anyone can discover something new, whether they are a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector.  A standout highlight this year is the Ubah Rumah Art Residency, which supports artistic talents from Southeast Asia and explores ideas of ecology, care, and connection across the region.

Bakchormeeboy: The Fair champions the idea that art can be accessible to everyone. How do you strike the balance between affordability and artistic quality, especially when selecting and curating galleries and artworks? 

Alan: Accessibility has always been at the heart of what we do, but it has never meant compromising on quality. Every gallery goes through a selection process to ensure that the artists and artworks meet a certain level of artistic merit and originality. What we try to do is widen the door for more people to experience and own art. Affordability is about providing entry points, not lowering standards. It is about showing that good art can be both meaningful and within reach.

Bakchormeeboy: With over 95 local and international galleries participating, what are some key themes or trends visitors can expect to see this year? Does Affordable Art Fair aim to follow global trends, or focus more on helping local audiences discover new artists?

Alan: Visitors will see a dynamic mix of global and regional perspectives. Many artists are exploring identity, memory, and our relationship with nature, which mirrors broader global conversations. At the same time, there is a strong Southeast Asian presence that reflects our shared cultural context and lived experiences. We do not follow trends for the sake of it. Our goal is to provide an authentic snapshot of what artists are creating today, and to help audiences discover new voices that resonate with them.

Bakchormeeboy: Having been with the Fair since its very beginning, what has been the most memorable or transformative moment in your journey leading the Singapore edition?

Alan: There have been many, but one that always stands out is seeing someone buy their very first artwork. That moment when they realise they can live with art is incredibly fulfilling. I have also watched artists and galleries grow alongside us, from their first time showing at the Fair to gaining international recognition. And coming out of the pandemic stronger than before reminded me of how essential art is in helping people connect and find joy.

Bakchormeeboy: Could you share more about this year’s new initiatives and how the Fair continues to contribute to nurturing Singapore’s art scene?

Alan: We are very proud to introduce the Ubah Rumah Art Residency, an initiative that shines a light on Southeast Asian artists. Rooted in ideas of ecology, care, and hospitality, the residency draws inspiration from the nomadic culture of the Orang Laut and the shared maritime history of the Singapore–Malaysia–Riau region. Conceived by and hosted on Nikoi Island, Ubah Rumah, which translates to “home of change”, reflects a spirit of adaptation and collaboration in a shifting world.

The residency is co-founded by Ernest Goh and Alecia Neo, who was the inaugural winner of Affordable Art Fair’s Young Talent Programme. It brings together artists from across the region to explore ideas of place, identity, and community, with the showcase at this year’s Fair featuring six visual artists and a collaborative video work created through the residency. One artist from the showcase will also be selected for a solo exhibition at Blueprint Art Space in 2026. In many ways, Ubah Rumah continues the Fair’s long-standing role in supporting emerging Southeast Asian voices and creating opportunities for artists to grow beyond the Fair itself.

Bakchormeeboy: As someone with such an eclectic art collection yourself, what draws you personally to a piece of art, and how do you see local artists capturing the spirit of Singapore today?

Alan: I am always drawn to art that makes me feel something. It might be a texture, a colour palette, or simply the emotion behind it. What I admire about Singapore artists today is their honesty. They tell deeply personal stories that also reflect our shared identity and diversity. Their works often capture the subtleties of daily life here, yet they speak to universal human experiences.

Bakchormeeboy: For many visitors, the Fair is their first step in art collecting. What advice would you give to someone buying their very first artwork?

Alan: Trust your instincts. Buy what you love and what you want to live with, not what you think will impress others. Take time to learn about the artist and their process, because understanding the story behind a piece adds meaning. There is no right or wrong way to start collecting. The best collections grow naturally over time, guided by passion and curiosity.

Bakchormeeboy: Looking ahead, how do you see Affordable Art Fair Singapore continuing to shape or support the local and regional art ecosystem in the years to come, as a key part of the art calendar of events?

Alan: Our mission remains to make art accessible and inclusive for everyone. In the years ahead, we want to continue deepening our engagement with both artists and audiences. That means supporting emerging talent, fostering collaborations, and creating opportunities for exchange across borders. Singapore has become an important hub for art in the region, and we hope the Fair will keep inspiring more people to live with art and to see it as part of everyday life.

Photo Credit: Affordable Art Fair Singapore

The 2025 edition of the Affordable Art Fair runs from 13th to 16th November 2025 at the F1 Pit Building. Tickets and more information available here