Over 2.8 million raised in record-breaking National Gallery Singapore Gala 2025
The milestone gala rallied support to advance the Gallery’s mission in shaping a thoughtful and inclusive future in the arts
SINGAPORE, 14 September 2025 – National Gallery Singapore’s Gallery Gala 2025: A Decade of Imagination raised a record of over S$2.8 million on Saturday night, the highest fundraising total in the Gallery’s history. The funds will advance the Gallery’s mission of making art accessible to all – from enabling new exhibitions, deepening curatorial research, and expanding programmes that engage children, seniors, and underserved communities.
Bringing together more than 300 guests from Singapore’s arts, business and philanthropic circles, the Gala – a biennial fundraising mainstay – was held as part of the Gallery’s 10th anniversary celebrations. The event was graced by Guest of Honour, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Gan Kim Yong, who spoke on the importance of philanthropic support in sustaining and growing the arts.
Mr Peter Ho, Chairman of National Gallery Singapore, addressed the Gallery’s beginnings and said in his welcome address, “Ten years ago, we opened our doors with a bold vision: to create a People’s Museum where art belongs to everyone. Tonight, we celebrate not just a milestone, but a dream realised together. What started as Singapore’s home for modern Southeast Asian art has blossomed into something even more ambitious. We now champion both modern and contemporary artists across our region, holding the world’s largest public collection of modern art from Singapore and Southeast Asia.”
Speaking on the theme of the Gala, Dr Eugene Tan, CEO and Director of National Gallery Singapore, said, “A Decade of Imagination reflects our recognition that the next ten years demand fresh perspectives. We must refresh our approaches, reinvent our programming, and reimagine how we connect with evolving audience expectations whilst maintaining our commitment to making art accessible to all. The proceeds from this gala will directly support our curatorial research, international exhibitions, and community access programmes.”
Mr Aun Koh, Gala Co-Chair, said on behalf of the Gala’s Steering Committee, “We want to thank everyone who came together – our committee members, volunteers, and supporters who dedicated their time, resources, and networks – to make this milestone evening possible. With everyone's generosity, we raised an incredible S$2.8 million, a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we come together to champion the value of art. Their passion is what makes the Gallery’s mission come alive, inspiring connections across generations and communities.”
Celebrating the art of giving: key highlights of the Gallery Gala
The evening’s highlight was the Sotheby’s-managed auction featuring close to 90 rare artworks and luxury experiences, from pieces by the likes of Liu Kang, Heman Chong and Fernando Zóbel, to experiences such as the Britannic Explorer Train Experience from The Cadogan to Le Manoir Aux Quat’saisons by Belmond and more. Spirited live bidding among Gala guests, together with strong participation from the wider public in the online auction, drove record results. Li Huayi’s Pine Breezes in Golden Glow II sold at S$517,000 – the highest ever auctioned item at the Gallery – contributing to the record total, where 100% of the proceeds are directed to the Gallery. Other notable artworks such as Self Portrait by Yayoi Kusama and Gratitude by Lim Tze Peng sold for S$55,000 and S$50,000 respectively.
Other highlights also include guests making a grand red-carpet entrance up the historic City Hall steps for the very first time – an arrival that reflected the Gala’s theme of imagination. The Gallery’s Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery 1 was reimagined into an extraordinary long-table dining hall among masterpieces, where guests embarked on a culinary journey by Michelin-starred Julien Royer of Odette, Damian D’Silva, and Peranakan icon Violet Oon, who cooked live in the galleries. With the support of more than 20 official partners, the night came alive with uniquely curated experiences and performances by HAVEN, SORN, DJ Nicolette, DJ Kiara, and NAFA – making the Gala a night to remember.
More than a fundraiser, the Gallery Gala 2025 was a powerful showcase of the transformative power of imagination and a testament to the collective generosity of artists, patrons, and supporters. Their passion and commitment ensure that art remains accessible to all – building a cultural legacy that will inspire generations to come.
- Annex A: Quotes from Gala Guests
- Annex B: List of official partners of the Gallery Gala 2025
Annex A: Quotes from Gala Guests
| Guest name and details | Quote |
Edward Fung, Director of Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery Spouse of Catherine Kwai, Founder of Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery, which, together with the artist, contributed Pine Breezes in Golden Glow II by Li Huayi. Mr Fung had the winning bid for an auction item | I’m delighted to have won the Timeless Elegance: 2019 Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti at the Gala Auction. What makes this experience truly meaningful is knowing that every bid contributes to a greater purpose – supporting the arts and the important work of National Gallery Singapore. |
Chloe Tong, Co-Founder at ACE Team Foundation Guest at the Gallery Gala | The work of ACE Team Foundation has always been about bringing people together and building with open hands. We’ve always been inspired by the way the Gallery does that through art - creating spaces that unite our community, spark imagination, and nurture a deeper sense of belonging. We hope our support encourages more to rally behind the Gallery’s mission, and together, keep shaping a future full of creativity and connection for generations to come. |
Annex B: List of Official Partners for the Gallery Gala 2025
| # | Partner | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sotheby’s | Official Auctioneer https://www.sothebys.com/en/ |
| 2 | Helutrans | Official Art Logistics https://www.helutrans.com/ |
| 3 | Taittinger | Official Champagne https://www.taittinger.com/en |
| 4 | Tatler | Official English Language Media Partner https://www.tatlerasia.com/ |
| 5 | ICON | Official Chinese Language Media Partner https://www.iconsingapore.com/ |
| 6 | OUE Restaurants: Gilmore and Rempapa | Culinary Partner https://www.ouerestaurants.com/ |
| 7 | Läderach | Culinary Partner https://sg.laderach.com/ |
| 8 | Odette | Culinary Partner https://odetterestaurant.com/ |
| 9 | Violet Oon | Culinary Partner https://violetoon.com/ |
| 10 | Orientalist Spirits | Beverage Partner https://www.theorientalistspirits.com/ |
| 11 | 1925 Brewing Co | Beverage Partner https://the1925.com.sg/ |
| 12 | Frasers Property | Official Partner https://www.frasersproperty.com/sg |
| 13 | F&N | Official Partner https://www.fnnfoods.com/ |
| 14 | The Capitol Kempinski Hotel | Official Hotel https://www.kempinski.com/en/the-capitol-singapore |
| 15 | WILD Entertainment | Entertainment Partner https://www.teamwildent.com/ |
| 16 | Cliz | Gift Bag Sponsor https://clizdesign.com/ |
| 17 | Hanjan | Gift Bag Sponsor https://hanjan.store/ |
| 18 | L'Oreal Helena Rubinstein | Gift Bag Sponsor https://www.loreal.com/en/loreal-luxe/helena-rubinstein/ |
| 19 | Conrad Singapore Marina Bay | Special Thanks https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sincici-conrad-singapore-marina-bay/ |
| 20 | Culina | Special Thanks https://www.culina.com/home |
| 21 | Leica | Special Thanks https://leica-store.sg |
| 22 | Panasonic | Special Thanks https://www.panasonic.com/sg |
| 23 | The Rocket Eyewear Company | Special Thanks https://rocketeyewear.com/ |
| 24 | The Atelier & Co | Special Thanks https://www.the-atelier.co/ |
| 25 | Stellaire | Special Thanks https://www.thestellaire.com/ |
| 26 | NAFA | Special Thanks https://www.nafa.edu.sg/ |