Calling All Cebuano Artists: Here’s Where to Join Art Competitions

If you’re a Cebuano artist looking to showcase your work, earn recognition, or win significant prizes, joining art competitions might just be a good option. More than a test of talent—competitions can help an artist grow, build connections, and gain visibility across local and national platforms. Whether you're a student, emerging artist, or seasoned professional, there’s always a competition out there for you.

Below, we've compiled a list of painting competitions that Cebuano artists are eligible to join, whether based in Cebu or open nationwide. Note that this list might not be all-inclusive. And they're based on information we've found on the web as of this writing. Some of the details might change, so please make sure to double check.

National Competitions
1. GSIS National Art Competition

• Organizer: Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
• Eligibility: All Filipino artists (professional or amateur)
• Accepted Mediums: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor
• Registration Dates: Starting February 10, 2025​
• Submission Deadline: April 26, 2025
• Prizes:
  • 1st: ₱600,000
  • 2nd: ₱600,000
  • 3rd: ₱400,000
  • Honorable Mentions: ₱100,000
• Details: GSIS Official Website

2. Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE)

• Organizer: Metrobank Foundation
• Eligibility: Filipino artists aged 18–35, not yet represented by galleries
• Accepted Mediums: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor
• Registration Dates: January–March
• Submission Deadline: March 31, 2025, 11:59 PM​
• Prizes:
  • Grand Awardee: ₱350,000 + ₱150,000 art residency
  • Special Citation: ₱100,000
  • Finalists: ₱20,000
• Details: Metrobank MADE Info

3. Philippine Art Awards (PAA) - Biennial (every 2 years)

• Organizer: Philippine Art Awards Foundation
• Eligibility: Open to all Filipino artists, with a specific regional leg for Visayas
• Accepted Mediums: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor
• Registration Dates:
• Submission Dates: May 9, 2025
• Prizes:
  • Grand Prize: ₱350,000+
  • Two Juror’s Choice of Excellence: ₱120,000+
  • Two Juror’s Choice of Merit: ₱80,000+
• Details: Philippine Art Awards Website

4. Vision Petron National Student Art Competition

• Organizer: Petron Corporation
• Eligibility: Filipino high school and college students
• Accepted Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Acrylic, Digital
• Registration Dates:
• Submission Dates:
• Schedule: May–July
• Prizes:
  • Grand Prize: ₱70,000
  • Runner-Up: ₱30,000
• Details: Vision Petron Facebook Page

5. Zonta All-Women Art Competition (Biennial)

• Organizer: Zonta Club of Makati and Environs
• Eligibility: All Filipino women artists
• Accepted Mediums: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Mixed Media
• Registration Dates:
• Submission Deadline:
• Prizes:
  • 1st: ₱250,000
  • 2nd: ₱150,000
  • 3rd: ₱100,000
• Details: Zonta International Website

6. Shell National Students Art Competition

• Organizer: Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp.
• Eligibility: Filipino college and university students nationwide
• Medium: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, digital fine arts
• Registration/Submission Dates: To be announced​ (last year was Feb. 26, 2024 - Sept. 25, 2024)
• Prizes (based on 2024 prizes):
  • 1st: ₱60,000
  • 2nd: ₱40,000
  • 3rd: ₱30,000
  • Honorable Mention: ₱20,000
• Details: Shell Art Competition Info

 
Regional Painting Competitions

​1. Carcar City Painting Competition

• Organizer: Carcar City LGU
• Eligibility: Open to artists residing in Cebu
• Schedule: August–October (usually during fiesta season)
• Registration Dates: To be announced​
• Submission Deadline: To be announced
• Prizes (based on last year's prizes):
  • 1st: ₱150,000
  • 2nd: ₱80,000
  • 3rd: ₱50,000
• Details: ArtCebu Post

 
2. Plein Air at Tops Painting Competition

• Organizer: Tops Lookout and Cebu art groups
• Eligibility: Artists from Visayas or currently residing in Cebu
• Schedule: October
• Registration Date:
• Submission Date:
• Prizes:
  • Champion: ₱50,000
  • Finalists: Consolation prizes and public recognition
• Details: Tops Art Fest Instagram

3. Tam-awan On-the-Spot Painting Contest

• Organizer: Chanum Foundation, Baguio City
• Eligibility: Open to all Filipino artists, including those from Visayas
• Schedule: May (Tam-awan Arts Festival)
• Registration Date:
• Submission Date:
• Prizes:
  • Champion: ₱30,000
  • 1st Place: ₱25,000
  • 2nd Place: ₱20,000
• Details: Tam-awan Village Facebook

Participating in art contests isn't just about winning—it's about showing up, connecting with fellow creatives, improving your craft, and most of all supporting the art community.
For updates and open call alerts, follow ArtCebu on Facebook or visit our events page regularly.