2025 UOB Art in Ink Awards

I. Awards Introduction
As a leading patron of the arts in Asia, United Overseas Bank (China) Limited (UOB China) is committed to fostering the growth of ink art through long-term cultural investment and support. Launched in 2023, the UOB Art in Ink Awards has become a landmark initiative to uncover young talent and revitalize the heritage of ink art in contemporary contexts.
Following the success of the Campus Edition, the 2025 UOB Art in Ink Awards will now feature two categories: Campus Talent and Emerging Artist. In collaboration with strategic partner Art and Design Education FutureLab (FutureLab), the Awards continues to expand its reach and depth, offering professional guidance and a robust support system for participating artists.
Winners will benefit from visibility in major art media, access to curators and institutions, acquisition opportunities, and potential solo exhibitions. Finalists will be showcased at renowned platforms including Art Central (HK), FutureLab Art Fair, and UOB Art Spaces across Asia, building vital connections for artistic growth and exposure.

II. Schedule
Awards Announcement: 30 April 2025
Submission Period: 6 May – 13 July 2025
Shortlisting Period: 21 July – 28 July 2025
Campus Talent Public Top 60 Voting & Finalist Selection Announcement: 29 July - 31 July 2025
Campus Talent Public Top 30 Finalist Selection Announcement & Portfolio Submissions: 1 August - 15 August2025
(*Portfolio must include five complete art pieces)
Campus Talent Public Top 15 Finalist Selection Announcement & Artwork transportation: August 2025
Emerging Artist Category Finalist Selection Announcement and transportation: September 2025
Final Judging: September 2025
Awards Ceremony: October 2025
Campus Talent Top 15 Finalists & Emerging Artists Finalists’ Touring Exhibition: October 2025 – February 2026
(*Exact dates and venues will be announced via UOB China’s official WeChat account.)

III. Organisation
Organiser: United Overseas Bank (China) Limited

Strategic Partner: Art and Design Education FutureLab (FutureLab)

IV. Awards and Prizes
1. Categories
Campus Talent Category: For tertiary students (including 2025 graduates) with PRC Resident Identity Cards or international students studying in Chinese institutions.

Emerging Artist Category: For artists aged 40 and under with PRC Resident Identity Cards, by nomination.

1. Prizes Campus Talent Category UOB Most Promising Talent of the Year (1): 30, 000 yuan Gold Award (1): 20,000 yuan Silver Award (1) : 10,000 yuan (*The original artworks of Campus Talent prize winners will be officially collected by the organiser and included in the “UOB Art Collection.” The collection is used for artistic promotion, cultural communication, and exhibition programming. Copyrights will be transferred to UOB China without payment; however, the organiser will respect the creator’s authorship and integrity of the work.)

Emerging Artist Category
UOB Emerging Artist of the Year (1): Solo exhibition sponsored by UOB China

1. Exhibition
   All Top 15 Campus Talent winners and shortlisted Emerging Artists will be featured in the official 2025 Awards Exhibition.
   Selected works will be exhibited at FutureLab Art Fair and in UOB-affiliated spaces across Hong Kong SAR and Southeast Asia.

2. Transportation & Accommodation
   All travel and accommodation expenses for the final exhibition and ceremony will be covered by the organiser.

3. Additional Collaborations
   Opportunities for residency programs, commissioned art projects, and potential inclusion in the UOB Art Collection and Annual Report cover.
   Access to UOB’s exclusive Artist Alumni Network and mentorship with curators and gallery directors.
   Use of winning works in UOB’s signature branding and ceremonial gifts

V. Jury Panel
The panel includes distinguished figures from across the art ecosystem, such as:
Mr Zhang Zikang – Gallery Manager, Professor, Curator, Artist, OhD advisor
Mr Chen Tong – Artist, Teacher, Educator, Publisher
Mr Qiu Anxiong – Internationally renowned contemporary Artist
Ms Wu Wei – Art Critic, Publisher, Curator
Mr Lorenz Helbling – Founder of ShanghART Galler

VII. Copyright
By submitting, participants grant UOB China the right to exhibit, archive, reproduce, and publish works for marketing and promotional purposes.

VIII. Submission Guidelines
Submit personal information and up to 3 artworks via the UOB & Art WeChat Mini Program.

IX. Artwork Transportation
Finalists must submit physical works to the organiser. Costs are covered by UOB China.

X. Terms and Conditions
All decisions by the judging panel and organiser are final.

UOB China reserves the right to amend, cancel, or disqualify entries that violate submission rules or do not meet artistic standards.

About UOB China
UOB China is a wholly-owned subsidiary of United Overseas Bank Limited, headquartered in Shanghai. Established in 1984, UOB China has grown to 16 locations nationwide, committed to responsible banking and social investment in arts, education, and youth development.

About UOB’s Art Initiatives
UOB is Asia’s leading art patron with over 2,600 works in its collection. Through initiatives such as the UOB Painting of the Year (launched in 1982), UOB Art Academy (HK), and the UOB Art Gallery Shanghai, the Bank supports artists across generations and geographies, fostering connections and innovation.

Requirements

Campus Talent Category:
Open to domestic and international tertiary students currently enrolled or graduating in 2025.

Emerging Artist Category:
Nominated artists under 40 with PRC Resident Identity Cards.

No medium restrictions. Participants may submit up to 3 entries in the following formats:

2D Works
Submit 3 to 8 high-quality images (3–8MB each)

Maximum width: 240 cm (after framing)

One image must simulate the artwork hanging on a wall

3D Works
Maximum size: 200 cm in any direction

Maximum weight: 150 kg

Materials may include: bronze, iron, wood, stone, stainless steel

Fragile materials (e.g., resin) must be disclosed

Submit 3 to 8 images showing overall form and details

Mixed Media / Installation / Video Works
Includes installations and time-based media

Submit 3 to 8 images or visual renderings showing the full work and key details

If submitting video:

• Max length: 30 minutes
• Format: MP4 or MOV
• File size: under 100MB
• If work involves sound, light, electricity, AR/VR, or other devices
• Submit device names, models, power requirements, and space/environment needs
• Include a detailed installation plan and diagrams
• Devices and works must not involve fire hazards, flammable or explosive elements, or other safety risks
• For specialized technology, provide a list of devices and an operation manual
• Artworks must be original and unpublished. No works for sale are allowed.
• Entries must respect copyright law and content guidelines.

Top 30 finalists may be required to submit portfolios to info@ade-futurelab.com.

Application Instructions

Submit personal information and up to 3 artworks via the UOB & Art WeChat Mini Program.

For more information, visit the official website
📧 http://www.ade-futurelab.com/

Scan the WeChat QR code to apply
📱Wechat: #小程序://UOBandArt/oEfk5R818OcHGdI