Art’s many possibilities will once again be explored as the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. has launched the 36th edition of its excellence recognition program for the visual arts—the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence or MADE.
Guided by the theme “SPECTRUM: The Art of Possibilities,” MADE challenges Filipino artists to channel their ingenuity in creating a spectrum of works that represents Filipino artistic excellence.
On Feb. 1, a kick-off event, which also coincided with the celebration of National Arts Month, was held at S’Maison in Pasay City. Gracing the opening were MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña and SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing Millie Dizon, with Fundacion Sanso director Ricky Francisco as guest of honor.
The MADE Painting Recognition Program is open to all Filipino painters aged 18-35 years old who have not yet staged a solo exhibition. The MADE Sculpture Recognition Program, on the other hand, is open to all professional and amateur Filipino sculptors who have not won in any sculpture competitions of MADE. The deadline for submission of entries is on or before May 8.
Two grand awardees for the Painting Recognition Program and one grand awardee for the Sculpture Recognition Program will be chosen by a distinguished panel of judges. They will each receive P500,000 worth of financial assistance and fund for artistic development, plus a “Mula” glass trophy designed by visual artist and MADE awardee Noel El Farrol.
The grand awardees will be recognized during Metrobank’s 57th anniversary in September, and will also become members of the MADE-Network of Winners (MADE-NOW), the alumni organization of past MADE awardees which implements pay-it-forward projects that benefit marginalized sectors.
As part of this year’s edition, the annual Art MADE Public events are lined up in select venues in NCR (S’ Maison, Pasay City), Luzon (SM Angono, Rizal), Visayas (Gallery Orange, Bacolod City), and Mindanao (SM Lanang Premiere, Davao). The art event is ongoing until April 10.
Held in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, SM Supermalls, and United Architects of the Philippines, Art MADE Public will go around the country to promote Philippine art and heritage through several activities such as art exhibits, lectures, and workshops.
This year’s exhibit showcases the recent artworks of past MADE awardees, highlighting new art forms and styles, unique themes, and exceptional works that reflect their journey. Featured works are by 2019 MADE awardees Jayme Lucas (“Sugat ng Tahanan”), Christian Maglente (Untitled), Cedrick De La Paz (“15/30”), Dave Alcon (“Distinct), and Arman Arago (“Ang Tanda ng Bata”).
Recent masterpieces of Leeroy New (“Sigbin with Tree”), Mark Justiniani (“Hole”), Elmer Borlongan (“Record Digger”), Alfredo Esquillo (“Laban ng Loob 2”), and Anton Del Castillo (“In pride the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted”) are also part of the exhibit, including those of Raffy Napay (“I Live Here”) and Mark Andy Garcia’s (“Existence”) are also included.
On the other hand, the lectures feature talks by Eskinita Gallery owner Alfredo Esquillo and WTA Architect + Design Studio principal architect and Anthology Festival director William Ty.
Call (02) 8898-8094 or email therese.macaraig@metrobank.com.ph for more information.