Jakarta. UOB Bank Indonesia opened the 2019 UOB Painting of the Year competition at the National Museum in Jakarta on Friday, aiming to encourage young Indonesian artists to pursue a full-time career in the arts. 

The launch event was attended by art students and community groups. The president director of UOB Indonesia, Kevin Lam, said the program involves senior artists who will provide plenty of inspiration for the young ones. 

"With support from award winners and industry experts, who will share their knowledge and experience, we hope these younger artists will continue to grow and develop," Kevin said at the museum on Friday.

The contest also provides a space for young artists to express new perspectives and play a role in developing Indonesian contemporary art. 

"We expect to enrich and strengthen ties with the art community. The core of UOB's long-term commitment is to support communities in which we operate," Kevin said.

The 2019 UOB Painting of the Year competition will take in entries in the Professional Artists and New Arrivals categories until Aug. 31. 

The winners of the competition will be announced at an awarding ceremony on Oct. 17. Works from the top 50 finalists will be exhibited at the National Museum from Oct. 17 to 31.

The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of Rp 250 million ($17,000) and the chance to compete with other winners from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand for the UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year award, which carries a cash prize of $35,000.

Winners from the above countries will also participate in a one-month residency program at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum in Japan.

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