The 24^th Artistic Photo Contest and Exhibition 2006 was launched on March 21 by the Ministry of Culture and Information (MoCI) and the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists (VAPA). Participants in the event include both professional and amateur photographers.

The contest, on the theme of "New Rhythm", requires its candidates to meet the criteria of honestly reflecting Vietnamese society life and the country’s achievements in all fields, as well as highlighting the beauty of Vietnam’s land and people.

Each photographer is entitled to send a maximum of three photos in each photographic style - either direct shot or special effects, but only three will be selected for both styles.

It is anticipated that around 4,000 photographs will be displayed at the exhibition.

The Department of Photographic Fine Arts, based at 39 Cao Ba Quat, Hanoi, will receive entries from July 1–20.