THE Myanmar Artists Association will hold its fourth painting contest for new artists in collaboration with Oasis Art Gallery in Park Royal Hotel early next year, said U Kyi Win, the secretary of the association.

“We are inviting anyone over the age of 18 who is interested in painting to submit work before the deadline of January 31, 2008,” he said.

He said the theme of the contest will be “Beauty of Myanmar” with the aim of showcasing the country’s colourful and varied culture.

He said each contestant will be allowed to submit two paintings in oil or acrylic, each measuring 2 feet by 3 feet, to the association’s headquarters in the East Wing of Bogyoke Market. Each painting must be submitted in person or by mail along with two passport-sized photographs and a brief biography of the artist, as well as a letter assuring that the paintings are the creation and property of the contestant.

U Than Hlaing from Oasis Art Galley said submissions will also not be allowed from artists who have won prizes in the three previous contests the gallery has organised since 2005.

However, he said the gallery was holding a separate contest for the top three prize winners from each of the three previous competitions, with the best artist of the nine earning a prize of K50,000.

“We also plan to hold a contest for under-18 painters in the future to help cultivate budding artists,” U Than Hlaing said.

The awards ceremony for the fourth new artists’ contest will be held at the gallery in Park Royal Hotel on March 15. The top three painters will be awarded K50,000, K30,000 and K20,000 respectively, while five consolation prizes of K10,000 each will also be given.