Deadline: 20-May-2026
The SAW 2027 Open Call by the National Arts Council Singapore supports innovative, interdisciplinary, and participatory art projects for Singapore Art Week. It funds collaborations between local and Southeast Asian artists and provides estimated support between $15,000 and $50,000. The call is open to Singapore-based artists, organisations, and collectives, with requirements for strong local leadership and participation.
Overview of SAW 2027 Open Call
The SAW 2027 Open Call is an initiative by the National Arts Council Singapore to support the 15th edition of Singapore Art Week.
It aims to showcase innovative, homegrown, and collaborative art projects across Singapore’s cultural landscape.
Core Purpose of the Programme
The programme focuses on expanding artistic collaboration and public engagement.
Key Objectives
- Support interdisciplinary and experimental art practices
- Encourage participatory and public-facing art experiences
- Strengthen collaborations between artists and audiences
- Promote exchanges between Singapore and Southeast Asia
- Showcase diverse, homegrown artistic talent
Key Themes and Focus Areas
SAW 2027 prioritises projects that explore collaboration in multiple forms.
1. Interdisciplinary Artistic Practice
Projects that bring together different art forms and disciplines.
Examples
- Visual arts combined with performance or sound
- Mixed-media installations
- Cross-disciplinary experimental works
2. Artist and Audience Engagement
Emphasis on participatory and community-involved works.
Examples
- Interactive performances
- Community workshops
- Guided tours and participatory installations
3. Regional and Southeast Asian Collaboration
A major focus is regional artistic exchange.
Priorities
- Collaboration between Singapore and Southeast Asian artists
- Cross-border curatorial and production partnerships
- Shared cultural narratives and practices
4. Art and Environment
Projects exploring relationships between art, ecology, and space.
Examples
- Outdoor installations
- Environmental art projects
- Site-specific public works
Eligible Presentation Formats
Projects can be presented across diverse venues and formats.
Venues
- Arts and cultural institutions
- Private galleries
- Public spaces and precincts
- Independent art spaces
- Residential or unconventional sites
Formats
- Exhibitions
- Performances
- Screenings
- Outdoor installations
- Talks, lectures, and workshops
- Guided tours and public programmes
Funding Details
- Estimated funding range: $15,000 – $50,000 (based on past editions)
- Final amount depends on project type and evaluation
- Flexible support for varied project scales
Eligible Applicants
The Open Call is open to Singapore-based creative practitioners and organisations.
Eligible Applicants Include:
- Artists and collectives
- Curators and producers
- Arts organisations and institutions
- Corporations involved in arts projects
Collaboration Rules
Projects involving international collaborators are allowed if:
- Lead applicant is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident based in Singapore
- At least 50% of the artistic team are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents
Expected Outcomes
SAW 2027 aims to strengthen Singapore’s contemporary arts ecosystem.
Key Outcomes
- Increased visibility for local artists
- Stronger regional collaboration networks
- More participatory and accessible art experiences
- Growth of interdisciplinary artistic practices
- Greater public engagement with contemporary art
Strong Application Characteristics
Successful proposals typically demonstrate:
- Clear interdisciplinary approach
- Strong audience engagement strategy
- Meaningful Singapore–Southeast Asia collaboration
- Innovative use of space and format
- Public accessibility and participation
- Artistic originality and experimentation
FAQs
What is SAW 2027?
It is the Open Call for Singapore Art Week 2027, supporting innovative and collaborative art projects across Singapore.
Who is funding SAW 2027?
It is funded and managed by the National Arts Council Singapore.
How much funding is available?
Funding typically ranges from $15,000 to $50,000 depending on project scope and evaluation.
Who can apply?
Singapore-based artists, collectives, curators, organisations, and corporations can apply, subject to eligibility conditions.
Are international collaborations allowed?
Yes, but the lead applicant must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, and at least half the team must be Singapore-based.
What types of projects are supported?
Exhibitions, performances, installations, screenings, workshops, talks, and interdisciplinary public art projects are all supported.
Where can projects take place?
Projects can be hosted in galleries, institutions, public spaces, art precincts, and other creative or unconventional venues.
Conclusion
The SAW 2027 Open Call is a major funding initiative supporting innovative and collaborative contemporary art practices in Singapore.
By prioritising interdisciplinary work, regional collaboration, and public engagement, it strengthens Singapore’s position as a dynamic hub for Southeast Asian contemporary art.
For more information, visit National Arts Council.