LAUNCH OF THE "950 NÉT CHỮ" COMPETITION

"950 STROKES OF THE WRITTEN WORD"

To commemorate the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quốc Tử Giám – Viet Nam's first national school (1076–2026), the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, in collaboration with Vietnam Pen Show, officially launches the "950 Nét chữ" (950 Strokes of the Written Word) Competition.

Inspired by the traditions of learning, respect for teachers, and the honouring and nurturing of talent that have been cultivated for nearly a millennium, "950 Nét chữ" seeks to create a space that connects traditional calligraphy with contemporary forms of creative writing and lettering. Here, every written stroke carries not only artistic value but also conveys knowledge, aspirations, and the writer's sense of responsibility towards the community and the nation.

Through the symbolic image of the written stroke, the competition highlights the continuity of Viet Nam's tradition of learning, from Quốc Tử Giám 950 years ago to today's generations. At the same time, it encourages new forms of expression through which the values of Learning – Talent – Cultural Heritage (Đạo học – Hiền tài – Văn hiến) can continue to flourish in contemporary life.

THEME: “ĐẠO HỌC – HIỀN TÀI – VĂN HIẾN”

Entries should address one or more of the following themes: the tradition of learning and respect for teachers; the honouring and nurturing of talent, with an emphasis on knowledge, character, and responsibility towards the community; images of teachers and learners and their journeys of growth; and the history, cultural heritage, cultural identity, and humanistic values of Viet Nam.

Entries may be created using Quốc ngữ (the modern Vietnamese Latin-based script), classical Chinese characters, Nôm characters (the traditional script developed by the Vietnamese to write the Vietnamese language), or other appropriate writing systems and forms of lettering.

The textual content of entries may be drawn from poetry, literary works, quotations, parallel sentences, folk verses, and proverbs, provided that sources are clearly cited, or may consist of the entrant's own original writing. All content must be consistent with Vietnamese cultural values and social norms, as well as the spirit of the competition.

ELIGIBILITY

The competition is open to artists, calligraphers, calligraphy practitioners, lettering enthusiasts, school pupils, university students, and members of the public in Viet Nam and abroad. Calligraphy clubs, creative groups, educational institutions, and calligraphy communities are also encouraged to participate.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

The competition comprises three categories:

Category A – Hán-Nôm Calligraphy:

For calligraphic works created in classical Chinese characters and Nôm characters.

Category B – Quốc ngữ Calligraphy:

For calligraphic works in Quốc ngữ, the modern Latin-based Vietnamese script, a wide range of appropriate materials, writing instruments, and forms of artistic expression are available.

Category C – Young Calligraphers:

For entrants under the age of 18, it encourages a spirit of learning and creativity, as well as sincere, expressive approaches from the younger generation.

AWARDS

The competition is expected to present the special "Nét Khuê Văn" Award, together with First, Second, and Third Prizes, as well as special-category awards within each competition category.

In particular, 95 outstanding works will be selected to:

– Be displayed at the "Nét chữ" Exhibition at Hồ Văn, Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám;

– Be digitised, presented, and preserved in the "950 Nét chữ" Digital Library;

– Contribute to the community installation "The Wall of 950 Written Strokes", a collective work symbolising the continuity of Viet Nam's tradition of learning across generations.

SUBMISSION PERIOD

September 5 – October 30, 2026

Entrants should register and submit their works online in accordance with the Organising Committee's instructions via the registration form:

Registration Form – "950 Nét chữ" Competition

COMPETITION RULES

Competition Rules – "950 Nét chữ"

CONTACT INFORMATION

Organising Committee of the "950 Nét chữ" Competition

Email: vmqtg.hovan@gmail.com

Hotline: 0906 881 656 – 0912 040 643 – 0987 941 272

Address:

Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám

58 Quốc Tử Giám Street, Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Ward, Hà Nội, Viet Nam

TL: LH