What if machines could breathe? What if materials could evolve? What if the future didn’t just borrow from nature but extended it? This year, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde invites designers, artists, engineers, architects, technologists, storytellers, and radical dreamers from all over the Philippines to answer these questions for the second iteration of Benilde Open Design and Art. The theme for 2025 is “Extension of Nature,” and challenges creatives to imagine a world where art and technology work in harmony with the environment — not against it.

This year’s theme draws inspiration from the evolving world of kinetic art — works that not only move, but also respond, interact and adapt. From the early inventions of Leonardo da Vinci to the fantastical biokinetic machines of David Medalla, to today’s interactive sculptures powered by solar panels, sensors, or wind, there is a growing movement toward designs that reflect nature rather than conquer it. Benilde Open Design and Art celebrates this spirit — one that welcomes experiments in robotics, poetic machines, hybrid ecosystems, reclaimed systems, and material storytelling that stretch the boundaries of both function and form.

Benilde Open Design and Art is a call to unfinished ideas and ambitious projects — those that live somewhere between invention and imagination. Selected participants will each receive up to P300,000 in production grants to bring their concepts to life. Up to 10 projects will be awarded, with final proposals reviewed by a respected jury of creatives from both local and international communities.

Running alongside this is Best of Benilde, a special category open exclusively to Benilde students. This juried exhibition highlights student-led projects that challenge boundaries and rethink the future. Five standout proposals will each receive a P50,000 grant, offering a rare opportunity to push school projects toward real-world realization.

The initiative is in synergy with De La Salle University led by a powerhouse team of convenors — Ayi Magpayo, Rita Nazareno, Gabby Lichauco, Joselina Cruz and Dindin Araneta — with the support of Br. Dodo Fernandez FSC, Benilde president and a practicing visual artist. Together, they imagine a platform for collaboration, invention, and bold thinking that resists the status quo.

As Benilde celebrates its 35th founding year, the College continues to champion innovation and inclusion through programs that empower students to lead in creative, digital, and service industries. With state-of-the-art facilities, global connections and industry leaders as educators, Benilde nurtures futures that are, truly, like no other.

Submissions are open until 30 July. Full guidelines, eligibility requirements and proposal forms are available at https://benildeopen.com/. For updates, follow @benildeopen on Instagram and TikTok, and BenildeOpen on Facebook. Inquiries may be sent to benildeopen@benilde.edu.ph.