More than 120 galleries, mostly from Asia, participated in 2012 Art Stage Singapore despite a chanllenging economic situation. Provided to China Daily

When Lorenzo Rudolf launched Art Stage Singapore in 2011, he wanted the annual fair to have a clear responsibility - facilitating the contemporary art of Asia and particularly its southeastern region with an international voice.

It differs from the many other fairs Rudolf had developed, such as the Art Basel and ShContemporary in Shanghai, which have global perspectives rather than a regional focus.

"If collectors want to see Western art, they can go to any of the international art fairs," he says. "They make the trip to Singapore to see Asia's best established and emerging artistic talents."

Art Stage attracted more than 120 galleries for each of its previous two editions. The upcoming fair, to be held from Jan 24 to 27, will reaffirm its commitment to be a launch pad for Southeast Asian artists and galleries. About 80 percent of exhibitors come from Asia; the remainder are leading international galleries.

"Western galleries are coming to Asia to sell Western art and to fish for Asian artists. It has brought huge competition for their Asian counterparts, which right now are not competitive players in the global art world," Rudolf says.

Southeast Asian art especially feels the pressure, as there are not many professional galleries in the area.

"Southeast Asia is of great potential, and has recently witnessed a booming art scene," Rudolph says.