Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore
Singapore Learn more about what's on at ICA Singapore at LASALLE College and the artists shaping its programme.A curatorial hub for experimental contemporary art and pedagogy at the heart of Singapore’s city campus.
Overview
The Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore at LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore is the college’s curatorial division and public gallery complex, situated at the architect-designed McNally campus in the Rochor arts and education district. Comprising five galleries that span roughly 1,500 square metres, it is one of the largest spaces dedicated to contemporary art in Singapore and a key reference point for culturally engaged visitors exploring the city’s art museums and cultural attractions.
As part of LASALLE, the Institute functions as a bridge between artistic research, teaching, and public discourse. Its programme combines international exhibitions with projects developed with students, staff, and alumni, foregrounding contemporary art and design from Southeast Asia alongside global practices and making it a significant site for critical engagement in the region’s art ecology.
ICA Singapore Exhibitions
The Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore presents a year-round programme of curated exhibitions, projects, and events that span installation, painting, performance, sculpture, moving image, and interdisciplinary practices. Landmark presentations have included solo and group exhibitions with artists such as Tang Da Wu, Ana Prvački, Marco Fusinato, Jason Lim, and Shubigi Rao, alongside historically important shows like Text & Subtext and Lost to the Future.
Exhibitions are organised along two main strands: major international contemporary art projects and curriculum-related or research-driven shows developed in close collaboration with LASALLE’s artists and academics. This dual focus enables the Institute to test ideas, formats, and curatorial strategies in public, offering visitors a view onto emerging art and curatorial thinking in Singapore and beyond.
Visiting information
Located at LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street, Singapore 187940, the ICA is just a short walk from Rochor, Little India, and Bencoolen MRT stations. The galleries are typically open Monday to Saturday, 12:00pm–7:00pm, and closed on Sundays, public holidays, and during LASALLE College closures; visitors should confirm current exhibition schedules and opening hours online before visiting.
Admission to the galleries is free, underscoring the Institute’s role as a public-facing resource within the college and the wider Singapore art museum landscape. A visit usually involves moving between several interconnected gallery spaces on the McNally campus, allowing audiences to experience multiple exhibitions and projects in a single visit.
Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore FAQs
What is the Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore at LASALLE?
The Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore is the curatorial division of LASALLE College of the Arts and a public contemporary art gallery complex in central Singapore. It supports innovative and emerging practices through exhibitions, projects, and publications that connect LASALLE’s teaching and research with local and international audiences.
What kind of art and exhibitions can visitors expect?
At the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) Singapore Visitors can expect curated exhibitions of contemporary art across media, from installation, sculpture, and painting to performance and moving image. The programme mixes international projects with curriculum-related exhibitions developed with LASALLE students and staff, often focusing on Southeast Asian art and its dialogues with global practices.
Where is the Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore located, and what are the opening hours?
The Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore is housed within LASALLE’s McNally campus at 1 McNally Street, Singapore 187940, in the Rochor arts and culture precinct. The galleries are generally open Monday–Saturday, 12:00pm–7:00pm and closed on Sundays, public holidays, and during College closures, though visitors should check current notices before planning a visit.
Do I need tickets, and is admission free?
Admission to the Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore galleries is free and does not require advance ticketing, distinguishing it from larger ticketed Singapore art museums. Special events, talks, or programmes may require registration, with details typically provided through LASALLE’s website and the Institute’s communication channels.
Are there tours, talks, or education programmes at ICA Singapore?
Yes, the Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore Institute regularly organises public talks, symposia, exhibition walkthroughs, and student-led or curator-led tours that deepen engagement with its exhibitions. Many projects are integrated with LASALLE’s curriculum, so visitors may also encounter student presentations and research-based activities that offer insight into contemporary art education in Singapore.
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