Supporter of the Arts

UOB Art Collection
Since 1973, the UOB Group has been supporting local budding artists by selectively purchasing their works of art. Through this purchase-support programme, the Group has, to date, acquired a large collection of artworks totalling more than 1,500 pieces. These artworks are displayed at the UOB Group's Head Office at 80 Raffles Place, Singapore as well as at its network of over 500 offices worldwide.

UOB Painting of the Year competition
In 1982, UOB Group took their patronage of the arts to the next level with the inaugural UOB Painting of the Year competition, which aims to promote greater interest in local art; encourage local artists to persist in their creative endeavours; and provide recognition for the best creative works. Alumni of the UOB Painting of the Year competition include Cultural Medallists such as Mr Goh Beng Kwan, Mr Thomas Yeo,the late Mr Chua Ek Kay and Mr Anthony Poon.

Each year, the entries are evaluated by a panel of judges comprising artists/art connoisseurs/art curators specially appointed by the UOB Group Art Committee.

The UOB Painting of the Year competition has been a tremendous success since its launch and is now a key event in the arts calendar in Singapore.

UOB (Malaysia) adopted this much coveted competition in 2011.

UOB Painting of the Year exhibition
Each year, the award-winning paintings from the competition are displayed at the UOB Painting of the Year exhibition. The aim of the exhibition is to foster a higher level of art consciousness among the public.

Through the exhibition, the UOB Group hopes to help local artists gain more recognition for their works and inspire them to achieve even higher standards.

UOB was conferred "Distinguished Patron of the Arts" by the National Arts Council (Singapore) for nine consecutive years since 2005 in recognition of the Group's contribution to the arts.