STPI - Creative Workshop & Gallery, Singapore (formerly known as Singapore Tyler Print Institute) is a creative workshop and contemporary art gallery based in Singapore that specialises in artistic experimentation in the medium of print and paper. To date, STPI has collaborated with over 90 artists from all over the world.
Situated in a restored 19th century warehouse by the Singapore River at Robertson Quay, the 4,000-square metre facility houses specialised printmaking presses and equipment, a paper mill, 400-square metre gallery, guest workshop, artist studio, artist apartments, staff offices and The Corner Shop.
The concept of establishing a large print workshop and paper mill in Singapore was first proposed in the mid-1990s to Kenneth E. Tyler, a long-standing American innovator, printer and publisher of fine art prints.[4][5] On 10 April 2002, STPI was officially opened by Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence at the time, Dr. Tony Tan.[6] Welcomed as an opportunity with long-term benefits that would add to the growth of the nation’s reputation as a City for the Arts, Singapore was seen as the ideal place for facilitating the amalgamation of Eastern and Western printmaking techniques, papermaking methods and various artistic practices.[6]
Mission
STPI seeks to help develop Singapore as a leading player in the global contemporary art world by collaborating with top international artists. Through its artist collaborations, artworks, exhibitions and public programmes, STPI engages the international art community, collectors and the Singapore public with the aim of developing an appreciation of the print and paper art practice.[7]
Artist collaborations
Artist collaborations lie at the heart of STPI’s programmes. Visiting artists live in the guest apartments at STPI, with access to the artist’s studio and workshop. They are also invited to give public talks to introduce their practice and studio work, and share their collaboration experience. At the end of each collaboration, works produced are exhibited and catalogued for public appreciation and sale.[8]
STPI Gallery hosts exhibitions of works produced in the Creative Workshop and regularly participates in local and international art fairs.[9]
Programmes offered
The gallery holds 6-8 exhibitions a year, following successive artist collaborations, artist talks, panel discussions, regular docent-led tours, film screenings, performances and coffee & conversations.[10]
Education and outreach
STPI organises print and papermaking workshops, guided tours, and an annual open house.[11]
Annual special exhibitions
The annual special exhibition is a yearly segment that showcases works from the Singapore Art Museum Collection that were previously under the ownership of Kenneth E. Tyler, as well as various private collections and artist estates.
This membership programme was launched in September 2015. It aims to draw a closer connection between avid art lovers with artists and fellow collectors. Members are entitled to exclusive artist studio visits, VIP previews, overseas trips, and artist dinners.[12]
Art fairs
Art fair participations include: S.E.A. Focus (Singapore), Art Stage Singapore (Singapore), Art Basel (Basel, Hong Kong and Miami Beach), The Armory Show (New York), FIAC Paris (Paris), Frieze Art Fair (London, Seoul), IFPDA Fine Art Print Fair (New York), Art Fair Philippines (Philippines), Korean International Art Fair (South Korea), Art Paris Art Fair (Paris), Print Basel (Basel), Pulse (New York) and SH Contemporary (Shanghai).
Hermes ALOFT, Platform STPI Projects, collaborations with international contemporary art galleries, for example, Neugerimschneider, Lisson Gallery, Lehmann Maupin, and Victoria Miro.
The STPI Creative Workshop comprises specialised facilities such as industry-grade print presses and a paper mill, as well as a team of print and papermakers.
Techniques offered include:
Since 2002, STPI has produced its own catalogues following the end of each artist collaboration. The list of catalogues that STPI has produced to date are:
