13-19 Art Prize calls on young artists to celebrate SG60

Business Times

21-05-2025

[SINGAPORE] Supported by The Business Times, the 13-19 Art Prize returns for its fifth edition to celebrate young artistic talents in Singapore. This year's competition is special because it welcomes all Singapore-based artists aged 13 to 19, regardless of citizenship, to create works that celebrate the island-nation's 60th anniversary.
What's more, the 13-19 Art Prize is also launching a special section for intellectually disabled artists. This section, called Art Without Limits, has no age limit. Any person served by the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore is welcome to take part in Art Without Limits and express anything they love about Singapore.
Chong Huai Seng, chairman of the 13-19 advisory committee, says: 'We wanted all participants to celebrate Singapore in their own voice – whether through the icons, landscapes and traditions we associate with Singapore, or through the everyday joys and memories that make it home.'
Yang Xinyue's painting for last year's 13-19 Art Prize touched on a variety of themes, from Chinese opera to mortality. PHOTO: TRCL
Winners of both the main and special sections stand to receive prizes worth S$800 (Gold), S$500 (Silver), S$300 (Bronze) and S$100 (Merit). The artworks will also be auctioned to the public, with proceeds going to The Business Times Budding Artists Fund – a charity that provides free arts education to children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. On top of that, the winning artworks will be publicly exhibited for three weeks at Millenia Walk, from Oct 8 to 30. The contest is organised by arts and culture non-profit TRCL. It is sponsored by CGS International Securities Singapore, a leading financial services firm, and The Culture Story, an independent art space. The venue partner is Pontiac Land.
Now in its fifth edition, the contest had previously attracted hundreds of young artists from diverse backgrounds, producing works that range from paintings and sculptures to digital art and animation. With its expanded format and inclusive spirit, this year's edition hopes to not only spotlight emerging talent, but also champion the idea that creativity has no boundaries.
The top winner of 13-19 Art Prize in 2024 was Myra Jade Wee, whose painting depicted her and her grandparents walking home together. PHOTO: TRCL
Last year's top winner was a poignant painting by 14-year-old Myra Jade Wee, which moved the judges with its depiction of her grandparents accompanying her home from school while she was recovering from a leg injury. Other winning artworks explored a range of subjects, from bustling hawker centre scenes to abstract concepts.
Chong adds: 'The winners of the previous four editions have demonstrated exceptional skill and sensitivity. With this year's theme of SG60, we hope to see works that stir something in us – reflections of Singapore not just as a nation, but as a place filled with heart and meaning.'
For more information on 13-19 Art Prize, visit trcl.sg/13-19-art-prize. For more information on Art Without Limits, visit bt.sg/gFxE