The wave has already started. Not the Mexican one, but the NHB one. John Clang at the National Museum of Singapore, and the President’s Young Talents and Collectors Show at the Singapore Art Museum.

But there’s more.

Of course, the most anticipated, and one that we’ve already reported on before, is the Singapore Biennale. With its gazillion curators. Organised by SAM, it’s taking place from October 26 around the Bras Basah-Bugis Precinct.

Around the same time (and I’m presuming as a nice link up to the Biennale) is Natmo’s (I so loved this nickname when I first heard it, wonder why it never picked up) Art And Nation: Formation Of A National Consciousness In Singapore Art.

Prior to these, you’ve got two big shows opening at SAM and Natmo in June 27. The former’s got Terms And Conditions: Contemporary Art From The Arab World (more details to come but the title pretty much explains it) while the latter is showing Masterworks From The Collections Of The Prince Of Liechtenstein.

That’s one extra “e” more than the artist you’re probably thinking of—this one is about the art collection of the royalty of that small country. 88 pieces in total, including some Flemish masters, including Reubens, Anthony Van Dyck and Frans Hall as well as other European masters like Raphael.

Oh, and because it’s about Star Wars, a shout out to the stamps and collectible show that the Singapore Philatelic Museum is doing in March. Woot.

Elsewhere, you’ve also got the regulars, like the Panorama collection showcase at SAM in September. Festivals include the Children’s Season (in May), Heritage Fest (in July), the Night Festival (in August) and Malay CultureFest by the Malay Heritage Centre (in September).

There will be heritage trails, too, beginning with one to Tiong Bahru in April, followed by Toa Payoh and Tampines. And following up their success (or what I think is a promising start) with the Taman Jurong community museum is one in Kolam Ayer during the third quarter.

As for merch and “other stuff”, NHB’s Museum Label spreads its wings and will be available soon at department stores and there’s a new series coming up. Watch out, too, for documentaries on knife sharpeners, Teochew bakeries, coffee powder grinders, the Beach Road Army Market, mamak shops and SARS. Looking forward to these.

But the museums aren’t just staying put—local art and heritage-y stuff will be travelling overseas.

SAM’s bringing works to Japan and Paris, and one of their pieces, Ho Tzu Nyen’s The Cloud Of Unknowing is touring to Belgium and France.

The Peranakan Museum’s bringing theirs to Korea while Asian Civilisations Museum’s Tang shipwreck show is heads for Hong Kong.