Kim Association
Singapore Learn more about what's on at Kim Association and the artists shaping its programme.Kim Association – a shophouse project space for contemporary transnational Asian art in Singapore’s River Valley district.
Overview
Kim Association in Singapore is a contemporary art project space located at 63 Kim Yam Road in the River Valley district, just opposite the lifestyle complex New Bahru. Initiated by the Yenn and Alan Lo Foundation, the Singapore-based space focuses on transnational Asian contemporary art and is overseen by artistic director Christina Li.
Situated on the ground floor of a modest shophouse, Kim Association offers an intimate setting for ambitious, conceptually driven exhibitions that speak to issues of identity, diaspora, and interconnected global histories. The project space aims to cultivate exchanges of ideas, objects, and cultural practices among communities with roots in Asia, positioning itself as a nimble complement to Singapore’s larger museums and commercial galleries.
Kim Association is highlighted as a destination for visitors seeking some of the best contemporary art exhibitions in Singapore beyond the institutional circuit, especially those interested in experimental practices and under-represented perspectives. As part of a wider ecosystem shaped by the Yenn and Alan Lo Foundation’s patronage, the space contributes to ongoing regional dialogues around how Southeast Asian and Asian diasporic art is commissioned, presented, and collected.
Kim Association Art and Exhibitions
The programme at Kim Association centres on commissioning and presenting new works by contemporary transnational artists with Asian backgrounds, often in their first substantial presentations in Southeast Asia. Exhibitions emphasise immersive installations and multi-sensory environments, encouraging slow looking and close engagement with complex themes such as ancestral memory, spirituality, and queer or diasporic identities.
Its inaugural exhibition, Indigenous Power (Ancestral Wisdom) by Puppies Puppies (Jade Guanaro Kuriki-Olivo), transformed the space with earth, offerings, stones, and sound to honour Taino heritage and marginalised communities. Upcoming and recent programmes include Alliance, the first Southeast Asian solo exhibition by Berlin- and Wuyi-based artist Shuang Li, underlining the project space’s commitment to regionally significant yet globally engaged practices.
Visiting information
Kim Association is located at 63 Kim Yam Road, Singapore 239364, within walking distance of Fort Canning MRT and close to the Singapore River and central cultural attractions. The shophouse setting offers an intimate, domestic-scale environment that contrasts with larger museum complexes and encourages focused encounters with each exhibition.
Regular opening hours are typically Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday closures, and may vary according to exhibitions; some shows operate primarily by appointment via an online form. Admission to exhibitions is generally free, reflecting the project space’s emphasis on access and dialogue, though visitors should consult Kim Association’s website or social media channels for the latest details, special programmes, or booking requirements.
Kim Association FAQs
What is Kim Association in Singapore?
Kim Association is a contemporary art project space in Singapore dedicated to commissioning and presenting works by transnational artists with Asian backgrounds. Initiated by the Yenn and Alan Lo Foundation and led by artistic director Christina Li, it focuses on experimental exhibitions that foreground questions of identity, belonging, and cultural exchange.
What kind of art or exhibitions can I see at Kim Association?
Visitors to Kim Association encounter contemporary installations, video, and mixed-media works by artists whose practices span multiple geographies and cultural lineages. Shows like Indigenous Power (Ancestral Wisdom) by Puppies Puppies exemplify its focus on immersive, research-driven projects that resonate across Asia and the global contemporary art scene.
Where is Kim Association located, and how do I get there?
Kim Association is located at 63 Kim Yam Road in Singapore’s River Valley district, near the Fort Canning and Somerset areas. The space sits in a low-rise shophouse opposite New Bahru and can be reached by MRT, bus, or taxi from central city neighbourhoods, making it easy to pair with other Singapore cultural attractions.
What are Kim Association’s opening hours and ticketing arrangements?
The project space generally opens from Tuesday to Sunday and closes on Mondays, though hours may differ between exhibitions or during installation periods. Admission is usually free, with some presentations accessible by pre-booked appointment; visitors should check the Kim Association website or Instagram for current opening hours, appointment slots, and any special event details.
Does Kim Association offer public programmes or events?
Kim Association complements its exhibitions with talks, performances, and collaborations that foster dialogue among artists, curators, and audiences in Singapore and the wider region. Recent initiatives include partnerships with independent platforms and festivals, as well as keynote events and artist conversations that deepen engagement with each project’s themes and context.
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