The Singapore Arts Festival 2011 kicks off on Wednesday 13th May with the ambition of reconnecting everyone with times and places long-forgotten, exhibiting fragments of past events and creating a whole raft of new experiences and memories too.

Organised by the National Arts Council, the Singapore Arts Festival is regarded as one of the world’s most important events on the art scene calendar. This year’s theme 'I Want to Remember' will feature a massive selection of globally-renowned artists bringing their own international flavour to the local artistic explosion of sight, sound and colour.

History is relived in the glimmer and reflection of various emotional facets during the 3-week long event, and the past is brought to life through thought-provoking and unusual theatre, art, dance, music, cinema and artistic celebration.

Singapore is a fast-paced and dynamic city, yet the Singapore Arts Festival 2011 aims to show visitors that they can slow down, take a moment to be reflective and to re-examine the point at which they have reached. It is a far-reaching concept for a truly epic and inspiring international event.

2011’s festival pays tribute to Pina Bausch, Merce Cunningham and Kazuo Oho; three legendary dance makers who passed away between 2009 and 2010. The tribute is composed by young artists who have been inspired by these icons of choreography. This positive reflection of sentiment is also proudly displayed in dynamic performances on topics ranging from the Wright Brother’s first flight to the century of radio. In addition to dazzling visual displays and stirringly-emotional performances of contemporary drama, the event also welcomes some of the great orchestras of the world, including the highly celebrated Academy of Ancient Music (AAM), performing with renowned soprano Sumi Jo.

With the exciting line-up of events, this year’s festival will capture the imagination of all, including the well-versed and open-minded international visitors who are expected to flock in great numbers, many of whom return back to Singapore after enjoying last year’s event.

The Retrospective theme of 2011’s series of shows and exhibits is likely to etch deeply into the memories of those who visit this world-class symposium of artists. The Singapore Arts Festival eschews the virtues of the very best in contemporary, multinational, visual and moving art and celebrates it in a way which is truly Singapore.

To view the festival web site, please visit www.singaporeartsfest.com