SINGAPORE — The international search for The National Art Gallery Singapore’s main man has ended up in Singapore’s backyard.

Curator Eugene Tan, 41, has been appointed as director of the museum, which is set to open in 2015. He will assume the post on May 15 and spearhead its curatorial, collections, programming and international collaboration aspects.

Tan, who also oversaw the development of art hub Gillman Barracks as the Programme Director (Special Projects) for Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), will retain his position until the latter part of the year and move on to an advisory role.

“We felt that Eugene would be the best candidate,” explained the National Art Gallery’s chief executive Chong Siak Ching. “(His) deep knowledge and training in art history, international exposure, extensive experience across the visual arts sector — from private galleries to government to the academe — and the international network he has built up will put us in very good stead.”

An influential presence in the local and regional art scene, Tan previously curated the Singapore Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2005 and co-curated the inaugural Singapore Biennale in 2006. He also held directorial positions at the Institute Of Contemporary Arts Singapore, Sotheby’s Institute Of Art (Singapore) and Hong Kong’s Osage Gallery.

“It’s an honour and privilege to play a role in the development of this important institution, to build a museum that engages Singaporeans and international visitors,” said Tan, who admitted he was initially “daunted by the scale and the project of the museum”.

Known for his work in contemporary art, Tan clarified that the museum will continue to be a modern art museum, but will include contemporary works as well.

“It will primarily tell the story of the art of Singapore and South-east Asia from pre-modern to contemporary,” said Tan.

Hoping for the museum to eventually be mentioned alongside the likes of MoMA, Tate Modern and Centre Pompidou, he added: “My aim for the gallery is to convey the privilege of experiencing great works of art through our exhibitions and programmes.”

Tan’s responsibilities at Gillman Barracks will be undertaken by EDB Lifestyle Programme Office Director Kow Ree Na at the end of year, said EDB Assistant Managing Director Thien Kwee Eng. The art hub’s Centre of Contemporary Art is set to be launched at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, artists said that given his previous achievements, Tan’s appointment to replace then-outgoing Director Kwok Kian Chow seemed inevitable.

Remarked Cultural Medallion recipient Lee Wen: “He seems to be a prominent player, basically because there are so very few with credentials like his in the region. At the same time, there are not many positions available either.”

Added Young Artist Award recipient Zhao Renhui: “Frankly, I wouldn’t trust anyone else.”