People and Partnership

People refer to the cast, the customer, the host, supporters, partnership, volunteers, government and everyone who had played their part in the event. Every role in the event holds a important possible as the event will not be successful if any role fails to do its role.

The host of the event was National Arts Council was set up as a Statutory Board in September 1991 to be the leading light for the development of art in Singapore. Its mission is to nurture art and infuse into a part of Singaporean’s life. A success in Singapore Biennale had brought Singaporeans a step closer to arts, allowing public to know that art is not only for niche market, but its actually can be found in everyday’s life. Mr Fumio Nanjo, the artistic director of Singapore Biennale 2008 stated in the guide book, “Art is longer just a hobby an expression of personal taste, supported only by a small art market in major cities. Art is becoming an important tool for a modern and well-rounded society” showing that art is no longer a extra thing in life but it is essential.

The staff were dressed casually in their specially designed uniform. They are stationed at almost every exhibit to make sure that the art pieces would not be damaged by young children or appreciators. They are also required to be knowledgeable about the exhibit to answer any enquires from the audience. They are also very enthusiastic people who welcome us warmly and gave us a short introduction about Biennale and how to go around the place without missing out any art pieces. South Beach Development had 5 buildings in it compounds, if the staff had not told us how to walk around the place in that certain directions, we are bound to miss out quite a few art pieces along the way.

We should forget the back stage crew who had took great pains to set up the place for the exhibitions. We might not see them at work but we should not forget the effort they had put in to make the exhibition a success. Some if the art pieces can be shifted from one places to another, however, some of the artworks, the artists have to redo in order to have it exhibited in Singapore. One of it would be the “September Sweetness” by Thein, Chaw Ei, Streitmatter-Tran, Rich and Ko, Aung, this is a sugar sculpture, the artists carved out sophisticated design of pagoda from blocks of sugar. However, it was a pity that the art piece is perishable and could not last through the whole exhibition. Thus, in every new location, the artists have to sculpture the pagoda again.

Partnership are the people who share the common vision who comes together to make the event a success. Partnership can be critical in attracting the resources to plan, manage and evaluate the event's marketing strategies.

The organizers of Singapore Biennale had made partnership agreements with many companies to make Singapore Biennale 2008 a success. They had the main sponsors like the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), city development limited, Jet Airways which sponsor them the land to exhibit their art or money to set up the exhibition. They also have preferred sponsors like Ikea and Singapore Tourism Board that provide small furniture for the Kids’ biennale.

They also have venue partners who work with them to provide the exhibition space for them to showcase their exhibits like Raffles City Shopping Centre and Singapore Flyer, official exhibition partners. There are also Official Freight partners, Official Community partners, media partners and many more to make this event a success.