Beyond art, the Benilde Open 2025 welcomes practitioners from all creative fields, from industrial design to dance, photography, and more
In college, the strongest writers in my poetry classes weren’t always my creative writing coursemates. They were often scientists and sociologists taking an elective—students from chemistry, physics, or even developmental sciences. They had unique perspectives on the world, colored by their specializations, if not obsessions.
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde recognizes this interdisciplinary potential. For its 2025 edition of the Benilde Open Design + Art, the school emphasizes that creativity goes beyond the usual suspects in the visual art world.
With the 2025 theme “Extension of Nature,” any creative professional can apply for a grant of up to P300,000 to produce a project that reimagines and reflects on nature and sustainability.
Meanwhile, Benilde students can apply for a grant of up to P50,000 under the Best of Benilde competition.
The program’s convenors are comprised of Dindin Araneta, an Art Fair Philippines co-founder who brings expertise in arts education and management; Joselina ‘Yeyey’ Cruz, director of Benilde’s nonprofit Museum of Contemporary Art and Design; industrial designer Gabriel Lichauco; educator and creative industry veteran Ayi Magpayo; and renowned designer Rita Nazareno.
The group of experts are making a dent in the landscape of creative funding in the country. “Together, you can probably see the strengths,” Magpayo reflects. “I thought you were going to say stress!” Nazareno interjects with a laugh.
In synergy with Benilde president and brother Edmundo ‘Dodo’ Fernandez, the Benilde Open convenors have envisioned a generous and generative space, where unrealized projects could come to be.
