Event Overview
The early program of Singapore Art Week introduces a curated selection of major exhibitions and citywide artistic interventions that set the tone for Southeast Asia’s most influential cultural festival.
Singapore Art Week 2026 marks the beginning of a new creative cycle in Asia, with early events presenting museum exhibitions, public art projects, experimental digital installations, and emerging-artist showcases across the entire city. From museums and independent spaces to waterfront promenades and heritage districts, the early phase of SAW reflects Singapore’s evolving artistic identity and its position as a global cultural hub.
10 January 2026 - 19 January 2026
Multiple locations across Singapore Primary hub: Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
Mission:
The mission of the Early Events Program is to activate the city with artistic energy ahead of Singapore Art Week, making art accessible to both residents and international visitors. It aims to support emerging talent, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, encourage public engagement with contemporary art, and highlight Singapore’s role as a leading center for Southeast Asian creativity. By presenting diverse artistic voices at the start of the festival, the early events provide a framework for understanding the broader themes that will unfold throughout the main program.
Organizer:
Organized by the National Arts Council Singapore, in collaboration with participating museums, galleries, independent art spaces, and public institutions.
The Early Events Program is essential for anyone seeking to understand the broader artistic landscape of Singapore Art Week. It offers a first look at new commissions, curatorial concepts, and experimental formats that often influence the rest of the festival. Visitors can explore exhibitions before peak crowds arrive, engage directly with artists during opening programs, and witness how museums and alternative spaces prepare for the larger festival. The early program also provides an opportunity to discover emerging voices whose work may shape the future of Southeast Asian contemporary art.
General admission costs
General admission: varies by venue Most public installations: free Museum exhibitions: SGD 10–25
Online booking available for major shows
Singapore Art Week events are spread throughout the city, but the cultural hub of Gillman Barracks serves as an ideal starting point.
• MRT Labrador Park Station: approximately 10 minutes on foot.
• Multiple bus routes operate throughout the district.
• Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available, offering fast access to all major venues.
• Marina Bay, City Hall, and Singapore Art Museum locations are accessible via MRT within minutes.
Visitors can easily navigate between events using Singapore’s highly efficient public transit system.
Tickets are limited and sell out fast.
Get instant access to the official Singapore Art Week 2026 – Early Events registration page and be the first to know about exclusive events, VIP passes, and travel perks.
Early access. Limited availability. Global art at your fingertips.
Since its inception in 2013, Singapore Art Week has become one of the most influential contemporary art festivals in Asia. Its early events emerged as an extension of the main program, designed to highlight experimental initiatives, international collaborations, and site-specific projects that benefit from longer exhibition periods.
The early program has historically introduced landmark shows, including digital media exhibitions, cross-border curatorial projects, and interdisciplinary presentations combining art, design, science, and urban research. By 2026, the Early Events Program has evolved into a significant cultural platform in its own right, offering visitors a structured preview of the artistic innovations defining the year’s main festival.
• Begin your visit at Gillman Barracks to orient yourself within the festival’s geography.
• Explore public artworks early in the day to avoid heat and crowds.
• Check each venue’s specific ticketing policy; many early events are free.
• Allocate time for digital installations, which may require pre-booking.
• Use the MRT system for fast movement between Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Little India, and Chinatown venues.
• Evening openings often include talks, performances, and opportunities to meet artists.
Don’t miss your chance to attend one of the world’s leading art fairs. Get direct access to the official ticketing page, exclusive updates, and important visitor information.
Early access. Limited availability. Global art at your fingertips.