Deadline: 31-Oct-2025
The Penang Art District is proud to present the eighth edition of Spotlight, in collaboration with their main partner UOB Malaysia — a nationwide initiative dedicated to nurturing and celebrating Malaysia’s next generation of visual artists.
This year, the programme seeks artists who are bold in experimentation, reflective in thought, and committed to pushing boundaries. It encourages proposals that respond to Malaysia’s evolving cultural, social, and historical narratives — and that position art as a powerful tool for conversation and impact.
Selected artists will be paired with experienced mentors from the arts ecosystem to guide them in developing their practice, culminating in a solo exhibition that highlights their distinct voice and creative vision.
The Competition, known as Spotlight by Penang Art District, is open to all Malaysian citizens and Permanent Residents aged between 18 and 35 years old, excluding employees of Penang Art District and their immediate family members, its promotion agencies, advertising agencies, PR agencies, and any associate companies.
Entries will be judged based on four criteria, each carrying equal weight: originality and creativity, concept and ideas, use of medium or artistic finish, and overall impression. All costs related to framing, delivery, and collection of artworks will be borne solely by the participants. Penang Art District shall not be responsible for any of these expenses or liabilities arising from participation.
Each participant may submit only one entry, and the medium is open to acrylics, oil painting, silkscreen, collage, ink, mixed media, wood, canvas, metal, cloth, and others. The finished artwork can be any shape or form, within the minimum of 2ft x 2ft or a maximum of 4ft x 4ft. Submitted photos must meet a minimum quality of 1000×1000 pixels and more than 72 dpi, and all artworks must be original creations by the participant.
By entering the competition, participants agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions, with all decisions made by Penang Art District deemed final and binding. The competition is governed by the laws of Malaysia, and participants consent to the jurisdiction of Malaysian courts.
The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025.
For more information, visit Penang Art District.