Police report filed after Art Works’ liquidation leaves staff unpaid and artists missing artworks

SINGAPORE: Art investment firm Art Works has gone into liquidation, leaving employees with unpaid salaries and artists uncertain about the fate of their works.

The company, which operated an art gallery at One Holland Village, ceased operations abruptly on 30 October 2025.

According to CNA, the Singapore Police Force confirmed on 3 November 2025 that a report has been lodged in relation to the company, though details were not disclosed.

Public records from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) show that the firm, incorporated in 2011 as Art Index International and renamed Art Works in 2017, was placed in liquidation on 30 October.

Audit firm Forvis Mazars has been appointed as provisional liquidators to oversee the winding up.

Artists allegedly left without payment and works

Full-time artist Sylvie Kettle, who has worked with Art Works since 2023, said she was shocked to learn about the liquidation.

The firm reportedly holds 14 of her artworks, valued at close to S$100,000 (US$76,800).

Kettle told CNA that at least six of her works had been sold, yet she had not received payment or clear communication for the past six months.

“There was a period where my emails were either not answered or responded to with vague promises of payment,” she said.

She added that she only learned of the liquidation through an informal acknowledgment from the gallery owner. “You place so much trust in your gallery partners… This is a very big hit for me financially,” she said.

Abrupt closure and ongoing exhibition

Art Works’ One Holland Village gallery was closed on Friday, with a notice stating it was “closed for private event”. Inside, artworks remained on display as liquidation staff were seen cataloguing items.

A sign promoting the exhibition “Chaos and Sanctuary”, scheduled to run until 9 November, was still visible.

The firm’s Facebook page and website were taken down the same day.

Staff at the premises confirmed they were acting under instructions from the liquidators but declined further comment.

Employees speak out on unpaid wages

A group of 15 former employees released a statement expressing disappointment at the lack of transparency.

They said they were informed at a 30 October meeting that the company would cease operations immediately.

“No advance notice was provided regarding the company’s financial difficulties, the decision to cease trading, or the termination of employment,” their statement read. “We were informed that we will not receive outstanding wages or entitlements.”

Despite this, they said they intend to assist with the liquidation process “where appropriate” to ensure that clients and artists recover their works.

Liquidation process and client guidance

The employees added that artworks belonging to artists and clients are being held at a third-party storage facility and remain their legal property.

The liquidators are expected to contact affected parties to arrange retrieval or continued storage.

Clients and artists were urged to retain documentation, respond promptly to correspondence from the liquidators, and seek independent legal advice.

Broader pattern of abrupt closures

Art Works’ collapse follows a series of abrupt business closures in Singapore.

Recently, Twelve Cupcakes entered provisional liquidation, leaving around 80 workers suddenly unemployed, prompting investigations by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and trade unions.

Similarly, soy milk brand Jollibean closed several outlets earlier this year, catching employees off guard when they arrived at shuttered stores without prior warning.

These incidents have raised renewed questions about transparency in business wind-ups and the protection of employees and small creators.