ART@TRX – OPEN CALL FAQs

ART@TRX – OPEN CALL FAQs

🗿 General Information
 

1. What is the theme of this competition?

   The theme is "Intersection of Exchanges". TRX is looking for work that reflects the diverse flows that define TRX — where people, ideas, cultures, and experiences meet. The sculpture designs we seek are not just visually striking, but emotionally resonant and deeply connected to the TRX public realm.

   You may read more HERE

2. Who is organizing the competition?

   ART@TRX is organized by Tun Razak Exchange.

3. When is submission open and what’s the submission deadline?

   Submission is open now and the closing deadline for submissions is 11.59pm 31 October 2025.

4. Is there an entry fee?

   No, entry is free for all eligible participants.

👩‍🎨 Eligibility
 

1. Who can participate in this competition? Can international artists or students apply?

   The main category is open to Malaysian citizens, aged 16 years old and above.
   
   International students studying in Malaysia aged 16  years old and above with a valid visa may apply for the Student category.

2. Is there an age limit to the competition?

   All participants aged 16 years old and above are eligible.

3. Are group submissions or collaborations allowed?

   Yes, you may submit as a company/collective/design studio. However please take note that the cash prize will only be paid out to one party / individual.
    

📝 Registration & Submission
 

1. How do I register or submit my entry for the competition?

   No registration is required for this competition. Participants are required to submit their entry to  [email protected]

2. What is the deadline for submission?

   The submission deadline is 11.59pm 31 October 2025.

3. What do I need to submit for my entry proposal?  (e.g., artist statement, sketches, concept)?

   Please ensure your entry includes the following information below. We may contact participants to fill in any missing information or incomplete entries.
   
   -          Personal details (Full name, IC or Passport no, Address, Contact No and E-mail address)

   -          Artist or Personal Profile or Biography

   -          Portfolio of Previous Works or Projects (especially if related to large-scale or public art projects)

   -          Concept Proposal should include a title, concept description, visual mock- ups, technical drawings or sketches, materials explanation and estimated production timeline. Please ensure that your proposal is for outdoors placement and is weather-proof.

   -          Artist Statement – A short write-up (not more than 500 words) aligning your proposal with the theme and TRX’s values.

   -          Budget Estimate – A high-level breakdown which includes but not limited to production and fabrication, logistics and installation costs.

   -          All submissions entries should be compiled into PDF format and not exceed 15MB in file size.

4. Can I submit more than one entry or proposal?

   Each participant may submit as many entries as they wish but participant may only have ONE (1) winning entry, if selected.

5. Can I change or update my submission after submission?

   You may send in an updated submission before the submission deadline. No changes or updates will be accepted after the submission deadline.
    

🛠️ Sculpture Guidelines
 

1. What materials are allowed or prohibited in the sculptures?

   We encourage the use of sustainable or natural materials that is weather-proof. Materials that are delicate, fragile or may pose a danger to public safety are not encouraged.

2. Are there any size, weight, height or power (electricity) restrictions?

   There are currently no restrictions on the size, weight or height but you may need to revise your proposal to accommodate the final installation site.  Please avoid ideas that requires a large amount of external power source.

3. Is the sculpture or art piece for indoor or outdoor display?

   The proposed sculpture or art piece will be placed outdoors for a long duration of time. Therefore, please ensure that your proposal is for long term outdoors display and materials proposed are weather-proof and sturdy.

4. Does the sculpture need to be original or created specifically for this competition?

   Yes, only new original works that have not been produced will be accepted for this competition.

5. Can the sculpture be functional or interactive?

   Yes, a functional or interactive sculpture is acceptable and highly encouraged.

6. Are kinetic or digital sculptures allowed?

   This competition currently only accepts physical sculptures.

7. Do sculptures need to be complete at the time of submission, or can they be built onsite?

   Selected entries may be produced and installed in the TRX district, subject to TRX and sponsor’s requirements.
    

🏆 Judging & Prizes
 

1. What are the judging criteria?

   Submissions received will be judged on the following: -

   ·       Originality and artistic merit

   ·       Feasibility and durability

   ·       Relevance to TRX’s values: sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation

   ·        Public engagement potential

   ·       Use of sustainable materials or tech integration encouraged

2. When will the winners be announced?

   Winners will be announced before 31 December 2025. Please follow TRX social media accounts for updates.

3. What are the prizes or awards?

   Main Category winner: RM50,000 cash prize

   Main Category 2 x runner-ups: RM10,000 cash prize each
   
   Student Category winner: RM10,000 cash prize

   Student Category 2 x runner-ups: RM2,500 cash prize each

4. Will participants receive feedback from the judges?

   Only winning entries will receive feedback from the judging panel.
    

📦 Production, Logistics & Installation
 

1. Who is responsible for the production or fabrication of the winning entry?

   TRX will be fabricating the select sculpture design, and the selected artists will be part of the team overseeing the production of the winning proposal as part of their obligations for receiving the cash prize. Feedback from judges, TRX and sponsors may be incorporated during the production process. 
    

📢 Promotion & Rights
 

1. Will my work be featured in any promotional materials?

   Yes, it may be featured in TRX’s marketing and promotional materials in the near future.

2. Who retains the intellectual and physical rights to the sculpture after submission?

   Please take note that all winning entries and corresponding IPs belong to TRX.
    

❓ Other
 

1. Who can I contact for more information or support?

   Any further enquiries please e-mail us at [email protected]

2. Is there a public voting or people’s choice award?

   No, judging will be conducted by the judging panel and judges’ decision is final.

3. What happens if I need to withdraw from the competition?

   All participants are required to inform the organizer in writing at least 7 days in advance before withdrawing from the competition.
    

Sponsors/Partnerships:
 

1. How can my organization take part as a sponsor/partner for this event?

   Kindly get in touch with us at [email protected]