Gillman Barracks gallery opens in Singapore

13 galleries from 10 countries will launch their debut exhibitions in Singapore.

In a release, Gillman Barracks – the new contemporary art destination in Asia – officially opens with 13 galleries from 10 countries launching their maiden exhibitions in Singapore.

The galleries at Gillman Barracks will display some of the best art of our time, including works by both established and emerging artists such as Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, Heman Chong, Yayoi Kusama, Yoshitomo Nara and Sebastião Salgado, among others in the ever-changing exhibitions.

They will showcase the depth and variety of contemporary art practices and provide regional collectors access to a wide selection of contemporary art in one location (See ANNEX A for opening exhibition details).

Prominent art talent will come to Gillman Barracks to create, exhibit and discuss contemporary art. Top artists such as Christian Thompson and Zhang Enli, as well as curators such as David Elliott, Hou Hanru and Charles Merewether, will give talks at Gillman Barracks over the opening weekend.

Gillman Barracks is a whole-of-government initiative that enhances Singapore’s standing as an Asian arts hub. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) identified the Gillman Barracks site for arts uses because of its unique characteristics. It is jointly developed by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), JTC Corporation (JTC) and the National Arts Council (NAC).

EDB develops Singapore as a vibrant marketplace for arts businesses by building a conducive environment to meet their needs. As part of these efforts, EDB is also involved in the establishment of a contemporary art centre in Gillman Barracks, which will build art-related capabilities through its international artist residency, research, and exhibition programmes.

Located on a 6.4-hectare site, Gillman Barracks boasts natural high ceilings, making it suitable for art gallery use. JTC, its master tenant and infrastructure developer, has carried out extensive refurbishment works and the space within the barracks has been divided into various sizes to suit the different galleries’ needs. The development comprises 4,200 square metres of space dedicated to art galleries, and 4,800 square metres to art-related activities such as artist studios and art research centres, as well as three food and beverage outlets. 2

Starting 15 September 2012, there will also be a special opening exhibition at Gillman Barracks that comprises the works of 16 Singaporean and international artists. As part of its efforts to nurture and profile Singaporean artistic talent, NAC supported the projects of eight local artists in the special opening exhibition curated by Dr. Eugene Tan, Programme Director at EDB, who is overseeing the development of Gillman Barracks.