Singapore to host new biennale for design, launching in 2027

8 April, Singapore ​ - The DesignSingapore Council plans to host a large-scale biennale dedicated to design in Singapore, with the inaugural edition set to take place from 14 May to 20 June 2027. Uniting Singapore’s distinct vision for world-building through design with global perspectives, the Singapore Design Biennale will mark a new chapter for Singapore on the international design calendar.

Following 10 editions of Singapore Design Week (SDW), a leading design festival for the wider Asia region which began in 2014, DesignSingapore Council will now transition its flagship event into an expanded biennale format, scaling its ambitions and mandate further with a larger footprint, presence and remit. The Singapore Design Biennale reflects the ambitions of Singapore’s Design Masterplan 2035, a ten-year national roadmap to deepen Singapore’s cultural vibrancy, and its role as a UNESCO Creative City of Design that shapes ideas and influences perspectives beyond its shores. ​

Reaffirming the city-state’s status as one of the most optimally designed places in the world, the first edition of the Biennale will examine how the island’s unique geography, landscape and unique circumstances have inspired generations of bold ideas to define a nation at large.

Strengthening Singapore’s global connections, an open call for international and local designers, creatives and partners will open in June 2026. Entries will be invited to consider how design responds to place, culture and shifting global dynamics, uniting design visionaries with a shared vision for purpose-driven innovation.

Signalling the Council’s continued commitment to raising the global profile of Singaporean design, the Biennale will drive forward enhanced creative and economic opportunities for collaboration across countries, cultures and contexts to generate greater impact for the international creative scene, participants and visitors alike.

Dawn Lim, Executive Director of DesignSingapore Council, said: “As our ambitions for Singapore design expand and Singapore strengthens its position as a design hub, we are delighted to launch the Singapore Design Biennale to carve out a new meeting point in Asia for the global design community and shape international discourse. As a living embodiment of intentional design, Singapore is well-placed to congregate ideas for the future, while continuing to foster new global possibilities for discovery, dialogue and engagement with Singapore’s legion of world-class designers.”

Further details for the Singapore Design Biennale and the corresponding open call will be announced in due course.

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About the DesignSingapore Council

The DesignSingapore Council (Dsg)’s vision is for Singapore to be a liveable, loveable, and limitless city by design. As the national agency for design, our mission is to develop the design sector to be globally competitive, champion the use of design for innovation and growth in Singapore, and make life better in this UNESCO Creative City of Design. The Dsg is a subsidiary of the Singapore Economic Development Board.

designsingapore.org.

About the Singapore Design Biennale

The Singapore Design Biennale connects local creativity with global perspectives, bringing the city to life and transforming diverse neighborhoods into hubs of inspiration. As a UNESCO Creative City of Design, Singapore becomes a canvas where imagination meets impact, advancing design as a force for innovation, liveability and cultural vibrancy. The Biennale convenes designers, innovators, businesses, and institutions from Singapore and around the world. Through exhibitions, commissions, public programmes, and dialogue, it explores how design shapes cities, communities and everyday life.