The annual Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) competition, organized by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), is now accepting entries for 2025.
Mixed media
With the theme “Boundless: What Art Can Be,” MADE added a new featured medium category on its 41st year to encourage emerging Filipino artists to push creative boundaries and advance the growth of Philippine art. This is in addition to Painting and Sculpture categories of the competition.
“Our exhibit last year showcased the remarkable evolution of creative expression and practices among our former MADE awardees. Many of them have expanded their practice beyond painting and sculpture, venturing into infinity mirror art and art installations,” said MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña.
He added: “This year, we want to make more room for our young artists to show their flexibility, resourcefulness, and creativity by introducing a featured medium category—the mixed media. We are hopeful and excited to receive contemporary and inspiring narratives this year.
The featured medium category of MADE may change over the years to highlight varying art forms and reach more creatives across the country.
Competition portal
This year, MBFI also launched the MADE Competition Portal, an online platform to centralize the registration, submission, communication, and judging processes. Entrants can now conveniently register for an account and upload photos of their artwork through the portal at https://metrobankartanddesign.awardsplatform.com/. Complete mechanics and competition guidelines are also available via this platform.
Participation in the 2025 MADE competition is free. Artists may submit an entry in any of the following categories: (1) painting (oil/acrylic on canvas) for 18 to 35 years old; (2) sculpture for 18 to 50 years old; and (3) mixed media for 18 to 40 years old.
Entries will be accepted until March 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Late submissions will not be accommodated.
Awards and prizes
Each category will have one grand winner and will receive P500,000 worth of prizes (P350,000 cash plus a P150,000 scholarship for artistic development at the Eskinita Art Residency Program) and the “More” trophy created by multi-awarded sculptor Juan Sajid.
Special citations, to be given to artists whose excellence closely contended with the grand awardee, will receive P100,000 cash prize and the “More” trophy. National finalists, a distinction awarded to meritorious works that advanced to the final stage, will receive P20,000 cash prize and a Plaque of Recognition.
Submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by a board of judges invited by MBFI. The evaluation will be based on creativity and originality, form and style, artwork impact, and artwork durability.
Through its annual competition, workshops, artistic development programs, partnerships, and community outreach programs, MADE has provided a platform for Filipino artists to express creativity, nurture artistic development, connect with peers, and contribute to the nation’s rich cultural heritage. To date, more than 200 artists have been recognized and empowered by the program.
For more details, follow @metrobankartanddesign on Facebook and Instagram or join the MADE for Community Facebook Broadcast Channel.
