55th Shell NSAC challenges youth to lead the charge towards a better tomorrow

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation continues to amplify the voices of the youth through art as it launches the 55th National Students Arts Competition (NSAC). With the theme ‘Sulong Sining’—’Sulong’ means charging forward and ‘Sining’ means art—Shell NSAC challenges the Filipino youth to take the lead in directing the country towards a brighter tomorrow through art.

In 1951, Shell NSAC was first launched to serve as a platform for young Filipino visual artists, celebrating their accomplishments and talents by nurturing them through the competition. It has also led to the creation of countless masterpieces about different compelling and important subjects, with students submitting thematic art in a variety of mediums every year. The competition has allowed young Filipino artists to have more opportunities in the local and international art scene, developing them further as creative talents and individuals.

Image source: Shell NSAC

Serge Bernal, Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Corporate Relations, described NSAC’s 55th year as the start of an exciting new chapter. “Shell NSAC has always endeavored to help student artists find their footing in the local art world, offering guidance and opportunities to push their talents ever forward. We are proud to have long been in service to the Filipino art community, with the competition recognized as a springboard and respected platform for the unique, creative voices of the student artists of the nation.”

Meanwhile, Ayala Museum Director Marlies Gustilo emphasized the importance of the theme, Sulong Sining, saying they hope to motivate young artists to learn, grow, and share that talent through their chosen medium. He added, “The theme aptly demonstrates our resilience as well as culture bearers and guardians surviving the many challenges we all face during the pandemic.”

Image source: Shell NSAC

The panel discussion featured industry veterans and artists from previous Shell NSAC events who related their own experiences and inspirations to aspiring artists. Acting as judges in this year’s competition, their participation heralds the formation of the Shell NSAC Alumni Association, calling participants of previous competitions over the past 55 years to form a community that will support Shell NSAC’s past, present, and future generations. NSAC alumni over the years include legendary masters such as Ang Kiukok, Ben Cabrera, Angel Cacnio, Jose Joya, and Federico Alcuaz.

Nestor Vinluan, a recipient of the 1974 CCP Thirteen Artists Award, talked about the importance of joining art contests to hone one’s skills. He emphasized that it’s not about winning, but challenging oneself and being open-minded while looking at things freely and imaginatively.

Image source: Shell NSAC

Gino Bueza, grand prize winner for the Oil/Acrylic category for the 40th NSAC, added that an artist never stops learning and practicing their craft.

Charlie Co, co-owner of the Negros-based Museum Orange Project, summed up how NSAC can prepare today’s artists for tomorrow’s changes and challenges. “Shell can nurture and make them become mature on what’s happening. It’s very important to chronicle the times. The best artworks in the Philippines or in the world have strong images based on current events. I challenge all the future artists at Shell to make their story be heard and seen.”

Shell NSAC is calling on students from all over the Philippines to share their creative talents in the fields of visual arts: watercolor, oil/acrylic, sculpture, and digital fine arts. Participants are also encouraged to join in numerous engagement activities throughout the year. Last year’s Shell NSAC saw the involvement of more than 1,700 students, the second most number of entries in the competition’s history.

Applicants may submit their entries from June 1 until September 5, 2022. More information on the mechanics will be released during the launch of the microsite in June.

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Chris Layugan