The inaugural edition of Singapore Art Fair opened its doors yesterday. The debut edition of the Asian fair has attracted 59 galleries from 22 countries, and includes works from 230 international artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia.

“The birth of the Singapore Art Fair reflects the dynamism of Singapore’s cultural scene,” Laure d’Hauteville, founder and director of Singapore Art Fair, told Art Daily. “Singapore aims to be a springboard for young and established artists to be discovered, as well as where young galleries look for platforms to gain international exposure,” she continued.

“As the first art fair in Asia that showcases modern and contemporary art from the Middle East, North African, and Southeast Asian regions, we want to bring to everyone’s consciousness what the region has undergone throughout history,” said Jason Ng, executive director of the fair.

The fair is organized into three pavilions: the Middle East/North African Pavilion, the Lebanese Pavilion, and the Dato’ Ibrahim Hussein Pavilion. According to Pascal Odille, artistic director of the fair, this structure has been “designed to not only broaden visitors’ horizons to these regions, but also help them see and understand their culture, history and political struggles through the artists’ perspectives.”

In an effort to engage visitors with the Singaporean art scene, the fair has also organized a variety of events, including performances, public art showcases and educational talks.