Metrobank Art & Design Excellence Seeks Visual Artists Anew

The Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE), now in its 39th year, aims to support connections between artists in the creative community while addressing the challenges brought by the pandemic. The contest promotes art to spark discussions and advance the nation. 

This year’s theme: “Connect: Stronger Ties, Bolder Strides” urges artists to seize new opportunities to reach their full potential. During the competition, young artists will be introduced to the art world and assisted  in achieving their goals.

2023 MADE Painting Recognition Program participants must be:

  • A Filipino citizen
  • 18 to 35 years old (18 years old as of March 31, 2023, and 35 years old as of September 21, 2023)
  • Entry must be an original work of art that the participant has fully conceptualized and produced
  • For complete guidelines, click: 2023 MADE Painting Competition: Guidelines

2023 MADE Sculpture Recognition Program participants must be:

  • A Filipino Citizen
  • 18 to 50 years old (18 years old as of March 31, 2023, and 50 years old as of September 21, 2023)
  • Have not yet won in the past MADE Sculpture Competition
  • For complete guidelines, click: 2023 MADE Sculpture Competition: Guidelines

The deadline for the painting and sculpture entries is on March 31. Requirements for submission should be submitted to hello@madeartdepot.ph.

Two Grand Awardees of MADE Painting Recognition Program will receive ₱350,000 each in cash, including the support for their artistic development initiatives, and a ₱150,000 scholarship to the Linangan Art Residency. Meanwhile, one Grand Awardee of MADE Sculpture Recognition Program will receive ₱500,000 in cash.

The Grand Awardees will receive the “More” trophy and recognition during Metrobank’s 61st anniversary in September. They may also get grants for their artistic development initiatives and will be part of MADE-Network of Winners (MADE-NOW), an alumni organization of past awardees. MADE-NOW implements pay-it-forward projects that benefit marginalized sectors. 

MADE received 701 and 537 entries in 2021 and 2022, respectively, despite the pandemic.vc_empty_space]

Metrobank Foundation on the Road

Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) held information campaigns in Cagayan De Oro, Davao, Laguna, and Cebu to promote this year’s MADE competition. Additionally, MBFI’s Art MADE public series aims to raise awareness and generate relevant discussions about Philippine art and heritage through partnerships with well-known visual artists, creatives, and advocates. The series titled “Kwentuhang Artista” last February 4 featured MADE awardees Leslie de Chavez, Moreeen Austria, and Chris Gomez, who shared their experiences as artists and provided advice to aspiring artists. 

– Toby Denise Concepcion