Source: The Korea Times
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/200609/kt2006090317523511700.htm
On September 1, 2006 The Korea Times reported, "In this small tropical city-state with a population of four-million, synagogue and mosque are located just a few blocks away from each other while temples of Buddhist and Hindu traditions stand side by side. Making the best use of such a long-standing diversity in culture, religion and ethnic communities, Singapore launched its first biennale on Friday under the matching theme 'Belief.' 'Belief is of course a theme related to religion, but it can also be associated with political, economic issues in contemporary society,' said Fumio Nanjo, Japanese art critic and lecturer at Keio University who served as artistic director for Singapore Biennale 2006. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officially declared the opening of the inaugural art festival Friday night... Local officials hope that the event will help cultivate the public’s interest in contemporary art... But a bigger ambition drives the multi-national art event. Long known for its efficient management of its economy, Singapore now aims to be also labeled as an `art hub’ of Asia."