They have the means commented French architect

The Museum of the Branly Quay which can boast of having allowed 6 million visitors since its inception in 2006, with approximately 20 of foreigners, presented October 5 "Baba Bling", an exhibition of large-scale devoted to Singapore. Furniture, silverware, textile, porcelain, nearly 500 pieces reflect cultural miscegenation between Malays and Chinese implanted as early as the 14th on this island. The opportunity for the young city of 5 million inhabitants, independent since 1965, said its roots and the Quai Branly offer works never shown in their diversity in Europe. "The vocation of the Museum is the recognition of European cultures." "This exhibition contributes to strengthening our links with Singapore and is part of the dense mesh of our cultural relations in the world," says Stéphane Martin, President of the Quai Branly but Asia Europe Museum network. Very offensive international where she values readily expertise, the institution which has an operating budget of 65 million euros, strengthen soon its radiation on the Asian island through an unprecedented exhibition on the Dogons.

"Baba bling" is part of a partnership passed for ten years, until 2019, between Singapore and French Foreign Ministers, on the one hand, between the meeting of national museums and the National Heritage Board, on the other hand. The Quai Branly but also Orsay Museum, the Louvre, the Pompidou Centre, are involved. "Singapore is the third largest trading partner of the France in Asia, with 700 firms." In 2009, the Exchange amounted to EUR 8 billion. "Cultural component was the weak link," says Singapore Ambassador to Paris, Burhan Gafoor.

The French expertise

Undeniable economic success with GDP growing an average of 9 per year, Singapore wishes to enrich its image of financial market and bridgehead of the conquest of the East Asia companies: and that means culture, national priority of this decade. In twenty years, more than 1 billion has been invested in cultural infrastructure, to make Singapore an attractive metropolis with seven national museums, national library, schools of art and an art mégacomplexe which drains 6 million visitors per year. The Quai Branly as for other French institutions, it is the opportunity to provide expertise and to afford a showcase.

Idem in architecture since it is the French Jean-François Milou chose to carry out the National Art Gallery, a large museum devoted to art in Southeast Asia in the old colonial of the City Hall and of the Supreme Court buildings. An investment of EUR 200 million for the 65,000 m2grand as two Tate Modern site which will open in 2014. "The scale is at ambitions." Singapore leaders argue that they cannot move to a higher stage of development without developing a sufficient artistic dimension. "They have the means," commented French architect.

The City-State will be in September 2011, the first edition of the Pavilion of arts and design copied from the French event and is also interested in our experience with development of sites such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. "For us, Paris remains the model of cultural capital", is the Minister of Culture, information and the Arts Lui Tuck Yew.