The Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Programme at Yale-NUS aimed to catalyse activities that promote art as a living and breathing practice as well as create art that increases the understanding of China and Chinese culture. Artists were nominated by international experts in the field and chosen by a diverse selection committee based in Singapore. Local and international artists from diverse disciplines including new media, drawing and painting, ecological art and video were invited for one-semester residencies on campus from 2020 to 2021. While in residence, artists contributed to an innovative liberal arts educational experiment in Asia. The AIR was committed to imbuing a vibrant art culture within the College through public events, artist workshops and interdisciplinary dialogues. The residency served as a platform for artists to be active members of communities through curricular and professional involvement in activities on campus and in collaboration with local organisations in Singapore.

The programme was supported by the Tan Chin Tuan Chinese Culture and Civilisation Programme.