Left to right: Announcing the Prudential Singapore Eye and the Prudential Eye Awards at START art fair in London: Susanna Hui, Director of
Corporate Affairs, Prudential Corporation Asia; Sean Rich, Regional Director of Brand & Corporate Affiars, Prudential Corporation Asia; David &
Serenella Ciclitira, Co-Founders of Prudential Eye Programme; H.E.T. Jasudasen, Singapore High Commissioner to the UK; Tomas Urbanec,
Prudential Singapore CEO; Nigel Hurst, CEO of Saatchi Gallery; and Tan Boon Hui, Group Director, Programmes Group, National Heritage
Board of Singapore.
Singapore, 26 June, 2014 – Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s independence, the Prudential Eye Programme, in collaboration with ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands, will present Prudential Singapore Eye from 17 January 2015. Prudential Singapore Eye at ArtScience Museum will be a key highlight of Singapore Art Week in January 2015 alongside international art fair, Art Stage Singapore (22—25 January 2015) as well as the second Prudential Eye Awards for Asian Contemporary Art (22 January 2015).
Recently named as one of the world’s top 12 cities to watch for exciting contemporary art, Singapore is fast becoming internationally recognised for its dynamic, young, contemporary arts scene. Prudential Singapore Eye aims to provide a current survey of the country’s emerging artistic talent from a global perspective. It also seeks to showcase the depth and diversity of Singapore’s visual arts scene as well as to raise the profile of Singapore artists in the international art world.
An iconic structure along the Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore, ArtScience Museum is the cultural component of Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s premier integrated resort. As a museum sitting at the intersection of arts, science and technology, ArtScience Museum provides a unique platform to drive international conversations between local and international artists. The museum is also strategically positioned to pave the path and provide a glimpse into the future of Singapore’s contemporary arts scene.
An estimated 25 artists will be selected by an international curatorial panel for the exhibition at ArtScience Museum. The exhibition will be accompanied by a comprehensive book featuring a wider selection of 75 Singapore contemporary artists published by the Eye Programme in partnership with Italian publisher Skira. The book will be launched in conjunction with the opening of the exhibition.
Prudential Singapore Eye and the Prudential Eye Awards are the latest initiatives of the Prudential Eye Programme, founded in 2009 by collectors and philanthropists Serenella and David Ciclitira in partnership with the Saatchi Gallery, celebrated for its unique vision in recognising artistic talent and life insurance giant Prudential. In just five short years, the Eye Programme has become an internationally recognised brand synonymous with the celebration of high-calibre emerging art.
David Ciclitira, Founder of the Prudential Eye Programme, said: “We are delighted to be part of Singapore Art Week during the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s independence. Singapore is fast gaining recognition as a capital for cultural exchange within the global arts community and together with Art Stage Singapore, we hope to kick-off the Jubilee celebrations with an incredible release of artistic energy within the city both during the week and after. This is a major step forward in raising awareness about the outstanding work being created by the art community in Singapore. Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of Prudential, ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Government.”
Lawrence Wong, Singapore Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, welcomed the exhibition as one that would enhance Singapore’s reputation as a global art capital. He said: “The Prudential Singapore Eye will add to the vibrancy of Singapore’s visual art landscape. It is a good platform to showcase our most promising arts talents, and to further enhance our position as a regional centre for the arts. I thank the organisers and partners for their strong support for the Singapore Eye. The show’s debut in the year when Singapore celebrates our 50th anniversary of our independence gives it added meaning and significance for all of us.”
Honor Harger, Executive Director of ArtScience Museum, said: “We are proud to be partners on this exhibition, which fittingly honours Singapore’s most talented contemporary artists in a year that celebrates the country’s 50th year of independence. The establishment of ArtScience Museum since 2011 has aided Singapore along in its journey to create a world-class art and culture scene. This exhibition is part of our ongoing work to enhance the vibrancy of Singapore’s art ecosystem, and to showcase the work of local artists on a world stage.”
