VietNamNet Bridge – Five Vietnamese artists are competing with other contestants from 24 countries and territories around the world in this year's Asia-Pacific Breweries Foundation Signature Art Prize.

The nominated artworks cover a wide range of media such as painting, mixed media, installation, video art, photography, prints and sculpture as well as performance art, with a significant increase in entries for video and moving-image works as well as monumental-sized installations.

The grand prize winner will receive S$45,000 (US$37,000). First, second and third prize winners will also receive substantial cash awards.

Viet Nam is represented by artists Bui Cong Khanh, Ly Hoang Ly, Nguyen Minh Phuong, Pham Huy Thong and Le Thua Tien.

The artworks address issues such as environmental concerns and the spread of urban development.

This is the second time that Viet Nam has participated in the APB Foundation Signature Art Prize.

The number of nominated artworks increased from three in 2008 to five this year.

Organised by the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) and sponsored by the APB Foundation, this juried competition identifies and recognises artists for outstanding work, profiles significant creations coming from the region's contemporary art landscape, and encourages the development of contemporary art in the Asia-Pacific region.

Five judges, all eminent art experts and opinion makers, will choose a shortlist of 15 artworks.

The shortlisted finalists will be announced by October 1, when the public can also begin to vote online and nominate their favourite work for the People's Choice Award at www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/signatureartprize.

An exhibition of the artworks will open at SAM on November 11. Votes for the People's Choice Award can also be cast in person at the exhibition.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News