Spotlight 2025 by Penang Art District

About the Open Call

Penang Art District is proud to present the eighth edition of Spotlight, in collaboration with our main partner UOB Malaysia — a nationwide initiative dedicated to nurturing and celebrating Malaysia’s next generation of visual artists. In 2025, we continue our commitment to supporting young and emerging talents under the age of 35 through a unique mentorship-led programme. 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. This year, we are looking for artists who are bold in experimentation, reflective in thought, and committed to pushing boundaries. We encourage proposals that respond to Malaysia’s evolving cultural, social, and historical narratives — and that position art as a powerful tool for conversation and impact. Spotlight 2025 is your chance to grow, connect, and be seen. Join us in shaping the future of Malaysian contemporary art. Applications are now open — take the leap and define your moment.

What is Offered

Mentorship from experienced mentors, culminating in a solo exhibition, and an opportunity to grow, connect, and be seen.

Requirements

Open to all Malaysian citizens and Permanent Residents of Malaysia aged between 18 and 35 years old. Each participant is allowed to submit only ONE entry. Medium is open, including acrylics, oil painting, silkscreen, collage, ink, mixed media, wood, canvas, metal, cloth and others. Finished artwork minimum 2ft x 2ft or maximum 4ft x 4ft. Photo quality for application must be 1000x1000 px minimum, more than 72 dpi. Artwork(s) must be originally produced by the Participant.

How to Apply

Applications are now open. Participants must download the form and follow the entry procedures outlined. Each participant is allowed to submit only ONE entry. Artwork photo quality must be 1000x1000 px minimum, more than 72 dpi. Submitted artwork(s) must be originally produced by the participant.