A new Vietnamese art competition, the To Ngoc Van Award, launched in Hanoi on June 17th – the anniversary of the artist’s death – has drawn attention for a controversial rule. The competition, held for the first time this year, stipulates that all finalist artworks will become the property of the organizing committee. This condition has sparked debate among artists regarding ownership and control over their creations. The To Ngoc Van Award aims to honor the legacy of the celebrated Vietnamese painter. Organizers have not yet commented on the reasoning behind the ownership clause, but it remains a central point of discussion within the art community. The competition seeks to promote and recognize emerging talent in the Vietnamese art scene. The award’s unusual terms are likely to influence future artist participation and potentially set a precedent for similar events.