Singapore arts practitioner and educator Dr Susie Lingham has been named the Singapore Art Museum’s new director. She will be taking over from Mr Tan Boon Hui, who has moved to the National Heritage Board to take on a new role as group director, programmes, coordinate programming and exhibitions across the institutions.
Calling the museum “the heartbeat of contemporary Singapore,” Dr Lingham said that “it is a necessary space for serious research-led and ever evolving curatorial and art practice.” Singapore Art Museum chairperson Jane Ittogi said in a press statement, “(Lingham) has a strong academic background in the study of contemporary society and the visual arts, and a keen understanding of the needs of this sector. These attributes are important as we continue on the track of establishing SAM as a leading museum of contemporary art.”
Dr Lingham is currently an assistant professor with the visual and performing arts academic group at the National Institute of Education. The appointment was the result of a recruitment process that considered both local and foreign candidates. She holds a doctor of philosophy in literature, religion and philosophy from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom.Her appointment in August 2013.
