The annual, longest running art competition in the country opens its doors again for college students to express themselves beyond strokes on canvas. The Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) once more injects a shot of adrenaline to the Philippine art scene by providing inspired young artists the opportunity to explore their unique capabilities and perspective, while exercising their creative purpose through different art medium such as Oil/Acrylic, Watercolor, Sculpture, and Digital Fine Arts.
“Shell encourages schools to incorporate artistry in today’s youth. Together with the academe, we try to build the dreams of these inspiring students and try to embed Shell NSAC into the curriculum of these schools. It gives the students something to look forward to every year, wherein they could express themselves through different medium. Shell NSAC also challenges young minds to incorporate their values as Filipinos into their masterpieces,” explained Melanie Bularan, Social Investment and Social Performance manager at Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation.
Every year, universities and schools compete in the leading energy company’s art program for nation-building. Aside from the company’s achievements in power, energy and gas technology, clean and efficient transport, and development of new energy resources, Shell also helps empower lives through sustainable programs such as the Shell NSAC. The art tilt has paved the way for presently renowned national artists such as Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera, Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz. Through its consistent tenacity to uplift lives and make more productive citizens, Shell continuously taps the academe to support the growing interest of today’s youth in art.
“Shell NSAC heightens the skills and level of perception among students. Through the competition, they are encouraged to explore other medium, and learn from other Filipino artists. The art tilt gives them a sense of pride in expressing their artistry, the fruits of their imagination, and unique insights on their surroundings. It also boosts sportsmanship and collaborative learning,” said Jamel Obnamia, College of Fine Arts secretary at the University of the Philippines.
For almost 50 years, Shell NSAC has been a welcome enhancement to the academic curriculum by giving universities and schools a relevant platform for their students to be able to express who they are as artists.
“Shell NSAC has always helped drive students to explore their innovative capacities in art, by making them reflect on the current issues today, the rise of technology, and the need for energy efficiency as espoused by the company, and other ways to address environmental and sustainability challenges. Indeed, the art tilt does not only encourage young artists to improve on their skills, but also transforms them into individuals with a higher level of social awareness,” shared Obnamia.
Aptly so, in its 49th run this year, the competition is themed “Metamorphosis” which aims to highlight the transformation of aspiring artists into young art masters who are geared to contribute innovative and relevant works and renditions in the Philippine art scene.
The Shell National Students Art Competition is one of the ways Shell develops the skills and values of the youth to become productive citizens for nation-building, while helping the country move towards sustainable progress. Shell works towards progress by meeting increasing energy demand and supply challenges through smarter products and cleaner energy, smarter infrastructure, and smarter use, while addressing the impact of energy on the environment. Shell is committed to sustainable growth and seeks to carry out activities in ways that combine environmental protection and enhancement with social and economic development.