Singapore’s prestigious UOB Painting of the Year competition is now open to Vietnamese nationals and permanent residents for the first time this year. Artists of all ages are invited to submit their artwork to the competition, which celebrates the creativity and talent of artists from around the world. With more than SGD100,000 in prizes up for grabs, this is an exceptional opportunity for budding Vietnamese artists to showcase their work and make their mark in the region.
| The launching ceremony of the first UOB Painting of the Year art competition takes place on May 9 in Hanoi. Photo: JD |
Ngo Tuan Phong, Deputy Head of the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition of the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Victor Ngo, CEO of UOB Vietnam, jointly officiated the announcement ceremony of the first UOB Painting of the Year competition in Vietnam today, May 9th. This competition is the first of its kind in the nation and aims to recognize and promote the artistic talents of the local community. The event brings together renowned art experts, local artists, art galleries, and the public to celebrate the works of emerging and established painters. With the support of the Ministry, the competition is expected to be a success and will serve to further develop the country’s art scene.
Speaking at the event, Victor Ngo emphasized that Vietnam has a rich cultural heritage that has been vividly depicted through the arts. He highlighted the country’s vibrant history and its diverse range of artistic expressions, noting that these have been integral to the nation’s identity for centuries. He also noted that Vietnam’s cultural heritage is a source of pride for its citizens and is an important part of its national identity.
“The decision to launch the competition in Vietnam is a powerful testament to the country’s burgeoning art scene, and further strengthens UOB’s long-standing commitment to promoting the arts and artists in Southeast Asia,” he said.
He believes that this competition will help artists discover their passion for art and contribute to developing the visual arts scene in Vietnam.
According to Luong Xuan Doan, the renowned artist and head of the jury, as well as the president of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, the UOB Art Competition is a great opportunity for aspiring young artists to showcase their talent and gain recognition in the international art scene. This competition provides them with the perfect platform to demonstrate their creativity and receive the appreciation they deserve.
This is an extraordinary international painting award for contemporary Vietnamese artists, which has been launched after many years, aiming to identify and cultivate young painting talents, and to gradually place Vietnam on the world painting map.
| The oil-on-canvas painting titled “Greying” by Dillion Poh (Singapore) won the prize of “2022 Most Promising Artisst of the Year” |
The Vietnam competition is open to all Vietnamese citizens and permanent residents, with the entry deadline being August 6, 2023.
The first-place winner in each country will receive a whopping VND500,000,000 (approximately US$22,000) and the opportunity to compete for the coveted UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year Award, which comes with a substantial cash prize of S$13,000 (approximately US$10,000) and an exclusive one-month residency program at the famed Fukuoka Asian Art Museum in Japan.
A jury of esteemed members of the Vietnamese art scene will judge submitted artworks according to Message, Creativity, Composition, and Technique.
The winners will be announced at an award ceremony, and the winning paintings will be displayed in a public exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City in October 2023.
The jury for the competition in Vietnam includes renowned artists Luong Xuan Doan, Kwok Kian Chow – Singaporean UOB Special Art Advisor, Tran Luong – a leading visual artist, independent curator, and founder of APD Center, as well as Tia-Thuy Nguyen, founder of The Factory Contemporary Arts Center and one of Forbes Vietnam’s “Top 50 Most Influential Women in Vietnam 2019”.
Participants in the competition can find more information at UOBandArt.com to help them increase their chances of success.
Founded in 1982, the UOB Painting of the Year competition has been the longest-running art competition in Singapore and one of the most prestigious in Southeast Asia. It aims to recognize the artistic talents of Southeast Asian artists, offering them the opportunity to showcase their creative works to the wider community. Over the years, the competition has extended its reach to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and most recently in 2023, to Vietnam.
| The “Flower Path” (acrylic and posca pen) by Wooi Ki Xiong (Malaysia), winner of “2022 Most Promising Artisst of the Year” |
| “Rural Lifestyle 1” (coconut shell on wood) by Nawin Ponpong (Thailand), winner of “2022 Most Promising Artisst of the Year” |
