Bangkok--5 Jan--จิ๊กซอ คอมมิวนิเคชั่นส์
50 works of art displayed and auctioned supporting the rise of Asia Pacific Artists
Marina Bay Sands announces its commitment to the development of visual art in Singapore and the region through its sponsorship of the Sovereign Asian Art Prize (SAAP) Singapore for the second time. The Sands Expo and Convention Center at Marina Bay Sands will be the venue for an illustrious exhibition from January 10 until 13, 2012, displaying compelling pieces of artwork by 50 finalists from Asia Pacific, including 20 works by Singaporean artists.
The Grand Opening of this Exhibition takes place on January 12, 2012. The Sovereign Asian Art Prize Singapore Gala and Charity Art Auction follows the launch on 14 January, where artwork will be auctioned to raise funds to support ArtOutreach and the short listed artists.
Together with Art Outreach, a non-profit organization that provides Singapore schools with free art appreciation lessons, Marina Bay Sands, as Presenting Sponsor, has planned an extravagant Gala, promising to record funds. Adding its weight to the important cause is Christie's Fine Art Storage Services and Christie’s, the leading auction house, coming on board as the Exhibition Sponsor and Official Auctioneer. Standard Chartered Private Bank has also chosen to generously support the cause as Corporate Patron.
Initiated in Hong Kong in 2003, SAAP has recognized many of the most important artists in the Asia Pacific region. Last year, Singapore joined Hong Kong, Beijing and Australia as a venue when it hosted its first SAAP. Marina Bay Sands, as the presenting sponsor raised S$150,000 for Art Outreach and the Singaporean finalists of the SAAP in support of art literacy programs and local artists.
Mr. George Tanasijevich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marina Bay Sands said, “At Marina Bay Sands, art is an integral part of our design, illustrated in our large installation Art Path and our commitment to world class exhibitions at ArtScience Museum. By showcasing paintings and installations by the 50 talented Asian artists, we are able to provide an additional platform to gifted individuals who have been limited by lack of resources in the past. Through our work with ArtOutreach, we hope to elevate the profile of local and regional artists and place them firmly on the world stage while enriching the lives of the children of Singapore through art education.”
Mr. Howard Bilton, Chairman of The Sovereign Art Foundation and The Sovereign Group, said, “We are looking forward to bringing the 30 finalists of the Sovereign Asian Art Prize to Singapore again this year. We will be showing the 30 works alongside 20 specially selected works by local artists. With the help of Christie’s, we will auction the 20 local works at a gala dinner on January 14th. The dinner will be hosted by Marina Bay Sands and sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank. We are very grateful for their support. This is all in aid of Art Outreach in Singapore who we are supporting again this year. The arts are important. Getting children involved in the arts is even more important. History judges its civilisation by its artistic creations. Exposing children to the arts broadens their minds and encourages creativity and Art Outreach are doing fantastic work in this area.”
Sovereign Asian Art Prize Singapore launch and gala coincides with Art Stage Singapore, Asia’s premier international art fair. In 2012, Art Stage Singapore (ArtSS12) will be held from 12 to 15 January, also at the Marina Bay Sands, with over 100 exhibiting galleries showcasing regional and international pieces.