Cover ART SG 2026 is bigger than ever: SEA Focus joins, new programs are introduced, and a big spotlight is on Southeast Asia.
ART SG 2026 is bigger than ever: SEA Focus joins, new programs are introduced, and a big spotlight is on Southeast Asia.
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Singapore reaffirms its position as Southeast Asia's contemporary art hub with the hosting of ART SG 2026 on 23–26 January 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.
Entering its fourth edition, the region's largest international art fair, ART SG 2026, will be even more ambitious through its inaugural collaboration with SEA Focus, bringing together a total of 106 galleries from over 30 countries and territories—a new milestone that reinforces Singapore's reputation as an epicenter of global art exchange.
SEA Focus Debuts: A New Spotlight on Southeast Asian Art
For the first time, SEA Focus will be present at ART SG 2026 in an integrated format accessible with a single ticket. With the curatorial theme The Humane Agency, the project positions Southeast Asian artists as agents of compassion responding to global crises—from conflict and ecological issues to transnational social dynamics.
Curated by John Tung with artistic consultation from Emi Eu (STPI), SEA Focus will feature key regional galleries such as ISA Art Gallery, ara contemporary, Silverlens, Gajah Gallery, Artinformal, ShanghART, and neugerriemschneider. Big names like Arahmaiani, Tang Da Wu, and Nicole Coson will also enrich this year's narrative.
Above ART SG 2026 is bigger than ever: SEA Focus joins, new programs are introduced, and a big spotlight is on Southeast Asia.
ART SG 2026 is bigger than ever: SEA Focus joins, new programs are introduced, and a big spotlight is on Southeast Asia.
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ART SG 2026: Major International Galleries Return
ART SG 2026 will feature top global galleries, including White Cube, Thaddaeus Ropac, neugerriemschneider, Goodman Gallery, Annely Juda Fine Art, and Ota Fine Arts. Newcomers like Castelli Gallery (New York) and the collaborative presentation of Antenna Space x Commonwealth and Council underscore Singapore's increasingly attractive international art scene.
From the region, renowned galleries such as Ames Yavuz, STPI, Richard Koh Fine Art, Sullivan+Strumpf, and Gajah Gallery once again present the latest art practices in Southeast Asia.
The 2026 edition introduces a number of fresh initiatives, including:
1. Launch of the Performing Arts sector
In a new collaboration with Rockbund Art Museum (RAM) Shanghai, curator X-Zhu Nowell will be covering the Film and Performing Arts section—ART SG’s first time presenting this section.
Singaporean artist John Clang will present three performative and installation works: Reading by an Artist, Nine Chairs, and Table of Inquiry.
2. TVS Initiative for Contemporary Indian & South Asian Art
Led by Srinivas Aditya Mopidevi, the initiative presents “South Asia Insights,” a pavilion featuring galleries such as Vadehra Art Gallery and Sakshi Gallery, opening new bridges of dialogue between South and Southeast Asia.
3. Wan Hai Hotel: Singapore Strait
This innovative exhibition model will transform The Warehouse Hotel lobby into an immersive space featuring installations, videos, performances, and site-specific interventions. Visitors can enjoy works by artists such as Stephanie Comilang, Ho Tzu Nyen, Martha Atienza, Robert Zhao, and performance collectives Bhenji Ra and Arka Kinari.
Above ART SG 2026 is bigger than ever: SEA Focus joins, new programs are introduced, and a big spotlight is on Southeast Asia.
ART SG 2026 is bigger than ever: SEA Focus joins, new programs are introduced, and a big spotlight is on Southeast Asia.
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ART SG Futures Prize by UBS & Spotlight on Melati Suryodarmo
UBS as Founding and Principal Partner introduces the ART SG FUTURES Prize, a USD 10,000 award for emerging artists performing in the FUTURES sector.
In the UBS Art Studio, the UBS Art Collection presents Melati Suryodarmo's iconic video performance, "I Love You" (2007). This five-hour work affirms UBS's commitment to global contemporary art and highlights the significant contributions of Indonesian artists to the global art landscape.
Above ART SG 2026 is bigger than ever: SEA Focus joins, new programs are introduced, and a big spotlight is on Southeast Asia.
ART SG 2026 is bigger than ever: SEA Focus joins, new programs are introduced, and a big spotlight is on Southeast Asia.
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SAM ART SG Funding Continues
Following its success in 2025, the SAM ART SG Fund returns with SGD 150,000 to acquire works by artists from ART SG 2026. This initiative strengthens Singapore's arts ecosystem and provides public access to important works from the Singapore Art Museum's collection. As one of the key anchors of Singapore Art Week, visitors can enjoy a variety of collaborations with leading visual art museums, private collections, and cultural partners across the city.
“ART SG 2026”
January 22 (Preview) – January 23–26, 2026
Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
This year, ART SG and SEA Focus are not only expanding their regional reach but also reaffirming Southeast Asia's strategic role in the global contemporary art landscape. With a mature program and a stronger network, Singapore is poised to become a leading platform for global artistic talent, dialogue, and innovation.
Also read:
Thresholds: a group exhibition of Indonesian artists at White Cube Hong Kong
Landscape between two backgrounds: Prabu Perdana's solo exhibition 2025 at Vice and Virtue Gallery
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