By Lee Hyo-sik
From March 13 through May 15, the Singapore Biennale 2011, organized by the Singapore Art Museum, will kick off throughout the city state, drawing tens of thousands art-loving visitors from all over the world.
The Biennale was established in 2006 as Singapore’s premier platform for international dialogue in contemporary art, placing the nation’s artists within a global context and fostering productive collaborations with the international arts community.
One of many key pieces of the Southeast Asia’s leading Biennale will be the ``Merlion Hotel,’’ which will be created by Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi. The artist will transform the Merlion Park, Singapore’s beloved iconic landmark, into a temporary, luxurious hotel suite. It will be open in the day for public viewing and booked in the evening for overnight stays.
The hotel, fully furnished with a double-bed, bathroom, amenities, personalized room check-in, a dedicated Merlion Hotel butler as well as offer breakfast the next morning at the Fullerton Hotel Singapore, will take reservations from Feb. 28. All guests will also receive a delightful welcome basket.
Both Singaporeans and foreign tourists can book a one-night stay between April 4 and May 5 for two adults at S$150.
Additionally, an exciting promotional contest, the ``I Should Stay at the Merlion Hotel’’ will allow a lucky person win a complimentary night’s stay at the hotel on the first and last nights of the Biennale (March 13 and May 15).
In this contest, individuals have to submit personal stories of no more than 100 words, explaining why they deserve to win an overnight stay at the hotel. Submissions will be judged by Tatzu Nishi and the Biennale organizers.
Many other promotions will also be announced when the Biennale opens.
``The Singapore Biennale is Asia’s foremost art festival showcasing a range of contemporary pieces during a two-month period. Not only the planned Merlion Hotel, but also many other forms of art works will entertain the public,’’ said a spokeswoman at the Korean office of Singapore Tourism Board.
She said both locals and foreign visitors will appreciate the upcoming artistic festival, stressing Koreans interested in modern art should consider visiting Singapore as their next travel destination.