Sining Filipina: pushes for sustainability in 2025 tilt

The call is on for aspiring and professional women painters to join Sining Filipina, the country’s first nationwide all-women competition! With this year’s theme, “Her Earth, Her Future: Women at the Forefront of Sustainability,” this pioneering art contest celebrates women’s roles in creating a sustainable future while highlighting the beauty and power of the visual arts.

A laudable project of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs Foundation Inc., it is presented by China Bank, SM Supermalls, and sponsored by Airspeed. To get a better understanding of the competition, we learned from the hardworking committees interesting insights on the tilt.

“Sining Filipina aims to amplify women’s voices in the sustainability movement,” the organizer explained. “This year’s theme focuses on women’s integral role in protecting and preserving the environment. It’s a platform to showcase artistic talent while inspiring meaningful change.”

For starters, organizers have proudly stated and reminded everyone present during the press launch held at the mall SM Aura Premiere the tourney is an inclusive space for Filipina artists of all levels. As long as you are a Filipina female resident of the Philippines, you are most welcome to participate!

The competition accepts paintings using oil and acrylic — and starting in 2025, mixed media — on 2 by 3 feet or 3 by 3 feet canvases. Artworks must be either square or rectangular. No round canvases are allowed. They may be in either portrait or landscape orientation.

Sining Filipina encourages participants to follow their heart’s content! Artists may use brushes, palette knives, sponges, even their fingers to apply paint.

Unfortunately, watercolor pieces will not be accepted at the moment. “These require glass or acrylic covers and framing which will make it difficult for the courier to transport due to risks of damage or breakage. As such, we have decided not to include watercolor in the competition,” it was further explained.

Each solo artist — no collaborations allowed — may submit only one entry, which should be a new piece created specifically for the competition.

“When submitting, it’s important to leave the painting unsigned on the front,” the organizer emphasized. “This ensures the judges can evaluate the artwork objectively. You can sign your name on the back, though.”

Framing isn’t necessary either. Instead, paintings should be on stretched canvases, ideally with a two-inch width, and come equipped with cords or strings for hanging.

Finally, participants need to submit a valid government-issued ID alongside their official entry form to verify eligibility.

The submission period is set to end on 13 February.

The submitted works will be judged by a panel of reputable artists and art experts, with the winners announced during the 27 March awarding ceremony at SM Aura Premier, in celebration of National Women’s Month.

For a fair and unbiased process, members of the jury will remain anonymous to protect them from interfering parties. “Their names will be disclosed at the awarding ceremony. There will be at least five judges comprised of both males and females, all reputable and highly qualified in the field of art,” the organizers continued.

Selected artworks will be exhibited at SM Aura Premier until 3 April.

While the competition currently focuses on paintings, it will eventually include other forms of art such as poetry and sculpture.

¡Enhorabuena!, Sining Filipina!

For entry forms and additional details, send email to siningfilipina.secretariat@gmail.com.