artLIVE – On September 18, at Nguyen Sieu School (Hanoi), hundreds of Vietnamese students joined a vibrant and colorful event to mark the launch of the 2025 “Denmark in Your Eyes” drawing contest, themed “Green Living.”
‘Denmark in Your Eyes’ – The voice of the young generation
The contest was first held in 2016 by the Vietnam – Denmark Friendship Association (VIDAFA) in collaboration with the Embassy of Denmark to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Since then, it has become an annual event. Each year introduces a new theme while focusing on environmental issues and the green agenda.
This year’s contest is organized nationwide by VIDAFA and the Embassy of Denmark, with the support of long-term partners including Kim Dong Publishing House, Tien Phong Newspaper, and Nhi Dong Newspaper. JYSK, a well-known Danish home furnishing brand, joins as the main sponsor, together with LEGO Vietnam, encouraging children to explore creativity and imagination.
The judging panel includes artists from Kim Dong Publishing House, Tien Phong Newspaper, and Nhi Dong Newspaper, as well as representatives from VIDAFA and the Embassy of Denmark.
The 2025 contest is part of activities leading up to the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Denmark in 2026. It reflects joint efforts to raise public awareness and inspire climate action through creative approaches.
Danish Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Nicolai Prytz, shared: “I believe students play an important role in shaping our future. Over the years, I have been impressed by the way they convey strong messages through simple yet meaningful drawings. This contest is not only about painting; it is also an opportunity for children to imagine a better world and to affirm that such a world can truly become reality.”
‘Denmark in Your Eyes’ 2025 – Green brushstrokes for the future
The theme “Green Living” is reflected not only in large initiatives but also in small daily choices: turning off lights when not in use, bringing cloth bags instead of plastic ones, walking or cycling short distances, or planting more trees.
This year’s contest aims to remind children that every small action can create positive change when supported by families, teachers, and the community. It also offers a platform for students to express ideas, nurture aspirations, and show responsibility for protecting the environment.
The prize structure includes 1 Special Prize, 2 First Prizes, 4 Second Prizes, and 8 Third Prizes. The Special Prize winner will receive a tablet and a LEGO set. Winners of the First, Second, and Third Prizes will receive LEGO sets. In addition, there will be 50 Fourth Prizes, 20 Encouragement Prizes for individuals, and 5 Collective Prizes for schools or groups.
Entries must be submitted on A3 art paper. Students are free to use different materials such as crayons, oil pastels, pens, pencils, charcoal, acrylic, watercolor, oil paint, or mixed media.
Entries should be submitted to: Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam, 7th Floor, BIDV Tower, 194 Tran Quang Khai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Each submission must include: the title of the artwork, student’s full name, age, school, grade, email, two phone numbers (one family contact and one school contact), and full address.
The contest is open to all Vietnamese students from primary to lower secondary schools. The deadline for submission is December 20, 2025. Results will be announced and prizes awarded at a ceremony in Hanoi at the end of the 2025 – 2026 school year.
Photo credit: Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam
