Interview The Kanto team
Images Metrobank Foundation (MADE)
Good day, Mr. Aniceto! Let’s start with the upcoming changes for MADE in 2025. Can you tell us what lessons from past events inspire these shifts?
Metrobank Foundation President, Mr. Aniceto Sobrepeña: Hello, Kanto! Thank you for this interview. The MADE Competition is set to make a dynamic return next year! The event will be bringing fresh innovations for young artists and stakeholders. A key feature is a dedicated competition portal, which will be launched to function as a comprehensive information hub. MADE will also collaborate with a respected art institution to offer art residency scholarships, providing a supportive environment for art creation and focused mentorship. We remain true to our commitment to sustainable artistic development and will make more announcements in January 2025!
How do you plan to bring global art trends into the competition while keeping the focus on MADE’s Filipino roots?
Each year, MADE adopts a call for action or prompts of inspiration that resonate with both global art movements and local cultural narratives. For instance, the 2023 theme “Connect: Stronger Ties, Bolder Strides” encourages artists to explore contemporary issues while fostering connections within the community. While MADE remains an open theme, these calls to action serve as prompts of inspiration that could similarly reflect global dialogues, tailored to Filipino contexts.
While incorporating global trends, it is crucial to emphasize Filipino stories and cultural heritage in the artwork. Artists can be encouraged to interpret global themes through a Filipino lens, ensuring that their works reflect local identities and experiences.
Individually, the program’s Filipino roots have gone global through its awardees already. We have the likes of Ronald Ventura, Mark Justiniani, and Yeo Kaa, to name a few, who are at the forefront of today’s modern art scene.
Could we see MADE venture into new disciplines like architecture and interior design, given the rising international success of Filipino talent in these fields?
While MADE has a rich history of recognizing exceptional talents in design, the program remains dynamic in terms of balancing focus and expansion as we see the recognition programs through a social development lens. As we look ahead, we are optimistic about supporting creative fields that contribute to social development, especially in today’s dynamic creative landscape.
Speaking of looking ahead, can you tell us how MADE’s evolution will support the next generation of young Filipino artists and their changing needs?
MADE’s support to young artists goes beyond the cash incentives. MADE opens doors for Filipinos to express their creativity and deepen their understanding of artistic practices. Art MADE Public fosters a deeper appreciation of art’s role in societal development through a dynamic series of public lectures led by artists and creative professionals. MADE’s Recognition Programs serve as a starting point for the careers of young Filipino artists. Building on this foundation, the Artistic Development Program further supports these artists in establishing successful careers beyond the competition by providing opportunities for growth and exposure through art residencies, workshops, academic courses, and exhibitions. As we move forward to the next decade of MADE, the program shall focus on supporting sustainable artistic careers to promote continued practice and align with the growth of the creative industries in the Philippines.
How do you balance preserving MADE’s traditions with introducing fresh ideas? What’s being done to make sure MADE stays relevant in today’s fast-paced art world?
The MADE program has been collaborating with renowned curators like Sandra Palomar to breathe new life into its permanent collection. By tapping into their expertise and innovative ideas, MADE aims to present its extensive collection in dynamic and engaging ways that captivate audiences.
In addition to curatorial expertise, MADE has been actively exploring and incorporating cutting-edge technologies to enhance the presentation and appreciation of its permanent collection. By embracing digital tools and platforms, the program aims to engage audiences in innovative ways and showcase the versatility of Philippine art. One such initiative is the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create immersive experiences for visitors.
In terms of program implementation, MADE explored ways to digitize its operations and leverage the use of technology best to serve its stakeholders – artists and judges alike. As we launch the new competition portal, we look forward to more opportunities to utilize technology in creating artistic experiences and ensuring program efficiency for MADE.
Can you tell us about any exciting new partnerships or collaborations in store for MADE 2025?
It is a great honor to announce MADE’s partnership with Eskinita Art Farm, which will offer three-month art residency scholarships for the Grand Awardees of the 2025 recognition programs. These scholarships are part of MADE’s Artistic Development Program to continue to nurture the creative potential and professionalize the artistic practice of its awardees.
Our collaborations with brands that align with the brand values of MADE continue to help us create innovative artistic experiences for our stakeholders. For instance, this year’s partnership with Samsung Philippines was integral in completing the curatorial vision of our milestone exhibition, Sibol. Our curator, Ms. Sandra Palomar, incorporated technological interventions in the audience’s interaction with our art collection.
Lastly, MADE looks joyfully to the future with The Metropolitan Museum of Manila. The M will continue to be MADE’s premier exhibition partner for its annual recognition programs, providing an exceptional platform for young artists. By sustaining this partnership, MADE and The M will work together to continuously bring great art to the forefront of Philippine society and develop critical art audiences to lean into art’s potential as a catalyst for positive change. •
