The contest is co-sponsored by the ministry's Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition, and Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA) to promote creativity and experimentation among Vietnamese photographers with a view to reaching international levels, said Vi Kien Thanh, head of the department. 

"The first contest for experimental photographers will be a chance for the photographers to show off their experimental art which is expected to follow diversified photographic trends from throughout the world," Thanh said at the launch ceremony in Hanoi. 

Professional Vietnamese photographers have known about experimental photography since the 1970s, but they have only been really engaged in the form in recent years, said Vu Quoc Khanh, VAPA chairman. 

"Experimental photography is a diverse style that includes alternative processes, techniques and creativity. The contest will not be easy because an experimental photo requires painting and graphics," Khanh said. 

The best photos will be displayed in Hanoi in May and in HCM City in June.