The painting contest to commemorate late painter Tô Ngọc Vân has been launched, opening to all Vietnamese students pursuing art. — VNS Photo Lương Thu Hương

HÀ NỘI — The first Tô Ngọc Vân Award has been officially launched in Hà Nội to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the late artist’s birth, paying tribute to his lifelong dedication to art while fostering a new generation of creative talent.

The award is organised by Mỹ Thuật (Art) Magazine under the Việt Nam Fine Arts Association in collaboration with relevant partners and with the consent of the late artist’s family.

It is open to all Vietnamese students pursuing art majors at universities and colleges both in Việt Nam and abroad, including those who graduated in 2026.

Tô Thị Toàn, daughter of the late painter, said the award is not only an occasion to honour and pay tribute to artists who have contributed to the nation, but also a platform to discover and create opportunities for young painters to showcase their talent.

The enduring admiration and support of the art-loving public for Tô Ngọc Vân over the decades, she said, continues to inspire new generations of artists to grow and contribute to the country’s cultural life.

Submissions for the award should convey the theme Sắc Màu Kỷ Nguyên Mới (Colours of a New Era), exploring the beauty of Việt Nam’s traditional and contemporary culture, nature and people, as well as the spirit of labour and aspiration.

There is no limit to the number of entries per artist. Each work must have a minimum size of 30cm in length and width, with no maximum size restrictions and may be created in any medium, including oil, lacquer, watercolour, mixed media or digital graphics.

Eligible works must have been created in 2025 or 2026 and must not have been previously submitted to or awarded in any competitions or exhibitions.

During the competition period, artists are not permitted to submit these works elsewhere or publish them on any media platforms or social networks. Each application must include personal information and an artist’s statement of 150 to 300 words describing the work.

Painter Phạm Bình Chương, chairman of the jury, noted that the competition places priority on academic and technical proficiency, followed by creativity and experimentation.

This approach aims to provide clear direction and ensure the overall quality of the competition, while fostering a healthy and sustainable artistic platform.

Regarding the judging process, the jury will conduct a preliminary round based on submitted photographs, which must be emailed to giaithuongToNgocVan@gmail.com between June 17 and October 31, 2026.

Selected works will then be requested in their original form and sent to Mỹ Thuật Magazine, located on 44B Hàm Long Street, Cửa Nam Ward, Hà Nội for the final round of evaluation and exhibition.

According to the organizers, the prize structure includes one Special Prize worth VNĐ60 million (US$2,300), one First Prize of VNĐ40 million ($1,500), and one Second Prize of VNĐ30 million ($1,100). In addition, two Third Prizes and one Promising Artist Award will be presented, valued at VNĐ20 million ($760) and VNĐ10 million ($380) respectively.

The competition’s jury brings together prominent figures in the art world, including painters Phạm Bình Chương, Trịnh Minh Tiến and Phạm Trà My, curator Đỗ Tường Linh and Sophie Huang, a collector of contemporary art.

The presence of international jurors offers independent and practical perspectives, helping to shape development pathways and connect students’ works with the global art market.

Works that pass the preliminary round will be showcased at the First Tô Ngọc Vân Award Exhibition, taking place from December 6 to 15 at the Exhibition House, 16 Ngô Quyền Street, Hoàn Kiếm Ward, Hà Nội.

The award ceremony and closing event will be held on December 15 at the Workers’ Theatre on 42 Tràng Tiền Street, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội.

More information regarding Tô Ngọc Vân Award could be found at tapchimythuat.vn/giai-thuong-to-ngoc-van.

Painter Tô Ngọc Vân (1906 – 1954). — File Photo

Painter Tô Ngọc Vân (December 15, 1906 – June 17, 1954) was among the first generation of leading artists trained at the Indochina College of Fine Arts. He played a pivotal role in mastering and adapting Western oil painting techniques, helping to lay the foundation for modern Vietnamese art.

Beyond his artistic practice, Vân was deeply devoted to teaching. He served as Principal of the Resistance Fine Arts School, where he mentored generations of renowned artists, inspiring them to pursue creative thinking closely tied to the realities of the nation. Among his notable students were Lưu Công Nhân, Nguyễn Trọng Kiệm, Trần Lưu Hậu and Lê Huy Hòa.

Many of his works have become invaluable treasures of Vietnamese art, continuing to be cherished and preserved over time. In recognition of his lasting contributions, he was posthumously awarded the Hồ Chí Minh Prize for Literature and Arts (first phase) in 1996. — VNS

Oil painting Hai Thiếu Nữ và Em Bé (Two Girls and a Child) by painter Tô Ngọc Vân, is recognised as a National Treasure.