Press Release 2016
UOB Malaysia invites emerging and established artists to draw on their artistic talents for the 2016 UOB Painting of the Year competition
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 16 June 2016 - United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (UOB Malaysia) is inviting Malaysia's emerging and established artists to pour out their passion onto canvas and enter the 2016 UOB Painting of the Year competition, one of the region's most prestigious art competition. The annual competition exemplifies UOB's long-term support of the art community.
Mr Wong Kim Choong, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Malaysia, said that at its most fundamental level, art touches the senses and draws the beholder into a relationship, thereby enabling a richer appreciation of art.
"UOB hopes to raise awareness of how art can be more fully experienced by highlighting the importance of sensibility or how the audience can be moved and inspired by it. The UOB Painting of the Year competition also enables us to deepen the relationship of art with the community as we continue to encourage the enterprising spirit and creative mind of artists in the region," said Mr Wong.
UOB Malaysia invites entries via photo submission from artists nationwide
To encourage participation from a wider community of artists nationwide, UOB Malaysia is accepting entries via photo submission for the first time this year1. The top artist in Malaysia will win US$25,000 (RM100,000) and have the chance to compete for the UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year award (worth an additional US$10,000 or RM40,000) as well as a one-month residency programme at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum.
UOB and art
UOB recognises the vital role that art plays in society. It has been supporting the development and appreciation of art in Southeast Asia for more than four decades, starting with the collection of paintings from emerging artists in Singapore.
The Bank's flagship art programme that started in 1982 is the longest running art contest in Singapore. To further promote Southeast Asian art, UOB extended the UOB Painting of the Year competition to Thailand in 2010, as well as Malaysia and Indonesia in 2011.
The competition has cultivated a strong alumni of artists across the region over the last 35 years. They include Mr Goh Beng Kwan from Singapore, the first winner in 1982, Ms Pannaphan Yodmanee from Thailand, Mr Gan Tee Sheng from Malaysia, and Mr Anggar Prasetyo from Indonesia.
For the full list of prizes as well as rules and regulations of the competition, please visit www.uobpoy.com.
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1 Please refer to the 2016 UOB Painting of the Year entry form for competition details