Singapore’s premier international contemporary arts exhibition, Singapore Biennale 2011 (SB2011) returns in March 2011. As part of its preparations, SB2011 is looking for a team of dedicated volunteers and interns to work behind the scenes on an exciting and diverse array of roles and projects. In all, the Singapore Art Museum is seeking some 600 volunteers and interns, from all walks of life, to pool their unique talents and perspectives to advance and enrich the mission of SB2011, entitled “Open House”.

Through a series of projects by local and international artists, SB2011 will create an “Open House” for Singapore. Involving up to four locations, over 50 local and international artists, and with an expected turnout of more than 500,000 people, SB2011 is slated to be a significant event in the history of Singapore’s contemporary arts development.

Since its inaugural edition in 2006, volunteers have been essential in the effective execution of the Singapore Biennale. As ambassadors of the Singapore Biennale, they are closely involved in the behind-the-scenes action as they work on an exciting array of roles that include event management, hospitality, administration, education and public outreach, logistics, programming, concierge and customer relations. Through their active and front-line engagement with the public, Biennale volunteers are given the enriching opportunity to gain knowledge of and exposure to contemporary art practices, enjoy first-hand information about the Singapore Biennale and discover what goes into producing a world-class event; and at the same time, enjoy the unique opportunity of interacting with established artists, professionals, local and international visitors, and prominent members of the arts community.

Complementing this base of volunteers, and in a continuing effort to raise greater awareness and appreciation for contemporary art amongst the public, the Singapore Art Museum is looking for tertiary-level education students to join the Singapore Biennale Internship Programme. Spanning a minimum period of three months, interns can look forward to working on a diverse range of projects across several key areas – administration, exhibitions and marketing and development. The programme is open to students who have a strong interest in the arts or who are currently studying in the area of arts or arts management. The Singapore Biennale Internship Programme allows youths with a passion for the arts the opportunity to gain an in-depth exposure to the industry, as well as invaluable insight into the day-to-day operations of running an international biennale. Through their work, interns will also have the opportunity to develop skills and techniques directly applicable to their area of study or interest, and the exciting opportunity to network with and learn from the best and brightest in the arts community.

Singapore Biennale 2011 will be curated by Matthew Ngui (Artistic Director), Russell Storer and Trevor Smith.

To find out more about the volunteer programme, see:

http://www.singaporebiennale.org/outreach.htm