Singapore out of 2013 Venice Biennale

A judgement call was made to pull Singapore out of the 2013 Venice Biennale. 

Arts Minister Dr Yaacob Ibrahim said this was done after consultations with the artistic community and a review of Singapore's past performance at the event. 

The Venice Biennale is the most prestigious contemporary visual arts show in the world.

Dr Yaacob says Singapore plans to re-enter the biennale in 2015 with more "pomp and grandeur." 

He said the last edition in 2011 cost the National Arts Council $850,000 to showcase one artist and one curator. 

Since 2001, Singapore has participated in six editions of the Venice Biennale. 

The cost of participating in each edition averaged more than three quarters of a million dollars.

And the government is mindful to ensure public funds are well-spent and that the benefits to the local arts community are maximised. 

"Based on our previous models of participating in the Venice Biennale, only 20 percent goes towards benefiting artists directly, with 80 percent of our funds going towards venue rental in Venice and associated logistics and administrative costs. A review will help us determine how these funds can be made to work harder for our artists."