The 45th UOB Painting of the Year is now open for Singapore submissions, with entries accepted until 31 July 2026. UOB describes the competition as Singapore’s longest-running annual art competition, established in 1982.
For artists, the important change is not just the deadline. UOB says Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 16 and above can submit one artwork online in either the Established Artist or Emerging Artist category.
Eligibility And Categories
The Established Artist category has enhanced criteria. UOB says artists must meet at least three prerequisites, such as being represented by commercial galleries, having sold works, having group or solo exhibition experience, receiving a grant or commission, or receiving an art-related award.
The Emerging Artist category remains useful for younger or less commercially established artists who still want to be judged in a serious regional competition framework.
- Submission deadline: 31 July 2026.
- Eligible: Singapore citizens and PRs aged 16 and above.
- Submission limit: one artwork online.
- Categories: Established Artist and Emerging Artist.
What To Plan
Do not treat the deadline as the art-making deadline. Leave time for photography, artwork statements, documentation and category checks, especially if you are claiming Established Artist prerequisites.
Artists entering near the end of July should also think about file quality and naming. A strong work can be weakened by poor documentation, so photograph the piece in even light, keep your final dimensions and medium notes consistent, and prepare a short statement that explains the work without overloading it.
For younger artists, the Emerging Artist category can be a useful way to test a serious submission process before approaching residencies, grants or commercial galleries. For established artists, the prerequisite check is the part to settle first because it affects the category you should enter.
See UOB’s 45th edition announcement and Singapore competition page for official details. For more funding and open-call coverage, visit our Grants section.
