How to enhance arts exchange between young artists from Europe and Asia?

chaired by FUMIO NANJO, Curator, art critic, Japan
30 March 2002, 10:30am-12:00pm

PRESS RELEASE

Held in conjunction with Asia-Europe Young Artists' Painting Touring Exhibition 20 to 31 March 2002 at the Singapore Art Museum

An event organised by Asia-Europe Foundation
and presented by Singapore Art Museum

After Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, China and Indonesia, the Asia-Europe Young Artists' Painting Touring Exhibition will be in Singapore Art Museum from 20 to 31 March 2002. The exhibition, a display of artworks from the competition organised by ASEF in 2000 was initiated as a way to establish a network and exchange between art schools and art students from Asia and Europe. Held in conjunction with ASEM III (Third Asia-Europe Meeting), the competition was a millennium project organised to capitalise on the festive and celebratory atmosphere, encouraging the spirit of competition so that students would build on their opportunities to gain experience in participating in international competitions.

The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), established in 1997, has a networking mandate through people to people exchange, cultural exchange and intellectual exchange. This competition comes under two main aims, the cultural exchange focussing mainly on youths. There are 26 member countries of ASEF, and the goal of this competition was to establish a network of young artists and arts institutions in ASEM countries.

For ASEF, arts and cultural exchange are particularly important, as the arts has been the most effective means to reflect people's cultures, ideas and daily lives. It reveals unique cultures, providing an exchange of views, ultimately enriching the contacts between Asia and Europe.

The Singapore Art Museum is developing its own programme to stimulate the younger generations and the student community in their pursuit of art and appreciation. Though art competitions and presentations are not unfamiliar to Singapore Art Museum, it is more the spirit of such programmes that provoke and promote exploration and excellence in art that is key. Programmes like the Presidents Young Talent Exhibition showcase a selection of promising artists whose artistic career and progress will contribute to the general dialogue found in cultural exchanges amongst youths and adults alike.

Thus, linked to the Asia-Europe Young Artists' Painting Touring, a forum on the topic "How to enhance arts exchange between young artists from Europe and Asia" will be held with a special guest lecturer, FUMIO NANJO.

Fumio Nanjo, created Nanjo and Associates in 1990, an international contemporary art advisory office whose projects include exhibitions, advisory positions, publications, symposium and public art programmes. Fumio Nanjo is, among other numerous professional positions, the Lecturer of Art Management at Keio university (since 1991), Member of the International Committee of ICOM for Museums and Collections of Modern Art, and Board Member, International Association of Art Critics. Invited as curator, art consultant, commissioner in international visual art events and Biennales, he was appointed curator for the Sao Paulo Biennale which will open on 23 March 2002.

Fumio Nanjo's international exposure and experiences will enrich the Forum with ideas on ways to develop for the promotion of arts cooperation and creativity between Asia and Europe. The forum will be opened by Ambassador Delfin Colomé, Executive Director, ASEF.