The city government of Cadiz in Negros Occidental is inviting artists across the country to its first-ever nationwide painting contest, themed “Healing”, to coincide with the city’s 53rd Dinagsa Festival in January next year.
Artists may explore healing as a personal or emotional journey, a social or cultural experience, or a process rooted in nature and communities.
They may draw from memories, Filipino culture, resilience, recovery, hope, or the promise of a new beginning.
Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. is optimistic that the competition will draw a lot of artisans from Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. “This is the first-ever nationwide art derby since we institutionalized the painting competition in Cadiz at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic six years ago.”
“With the theme ‘Healing’, we hope to see artistic pieces that narrate real stories of survival and resiliency despite the many challenges that life, nature, or circumstance that bring,” he added in a statement. “I’m so excited. All winning pieces will be displayed at the soon-to open Cadiz City Medical Center to form part of the healing atmosphere.”
The grand prize will be P300,000, second place – P200,000, third place – P100,000, fourth – P80,000, and fifth place – P60,000. Five finalists will receive P30,000 each.
The competition is among the highlights of the 53rd Dinagsa Festival, Cadiz City’s annual celebration of its heritage, traditions, and identity.
Artist contestants will have until Oct. 5 to register online. Artwork submissions through Gmail will be accepted until Dec. 15, while shortlisted entries will be announced on Dec. 28.
Those who make the shortlist will then be required to submit their original artworks through courier or walk-in by Jan. 14, 2027, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The winning works will be recognized during the awarding ceremony on Jan. 23 at the Cadiz City Arena.
For artists who have a story to tell, a memory to revisit, or a vision of what it means to begin again, the invitation is simple: “Put it on canvas. Express it”. ||
