Cover Last year’s Benilde Open Design and Art showcased the works of 11 production grantees and 17 student projects at various sites around the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Design + Arts campus and the Hub for Innovation (Photo: Facebook / Benilde Open)
Last year’s Benilde Open Design and Art showcased the works of 11 production grantees and 17 student projects at various sites around the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Design + Arts campus and the Hub for Innovation (Photo: Facebook / Benilde Open)
1 / 1
Until July 30, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde invites designers, artists, engineers, architects, technologists, storytellers and radical dreamers to submit their proposals to its second edition of Benilde Open Design and Art
“What if machines could breathe? What if materials could evolve? What if the future didn’t just borrow from nature—but extended it?” These are the questions that this year’s Benilde Open Design and Art raises, aiming to challenge creatives to imagine a world where art and technology work in harmony with the environment.
Themed “Extension of Nature”, the second edition of Benilde Open Design and Art calls for proposals that marry invention and imagination. Selected participants will each receive up to PHP 300,000 in production grants to bring their concepts to life. Up to 10 projects will be awarded, with final proposals reviewed by a respected jury of creatives from both local and international communities.
Read more: How these Pratt Institute alumni are shaping the future of Filipino architecture and design
Above Call for proposals poster for this year’s Benilde Open, with the theme ‘Extension of Nature’
Call for proposals poster for this year’s Benilde Open, with the theme ‘Extension of Nature’
1 / 1
Meanwhile, a special category is open exclusively to Benilde students to highlight student-led projects that challenge boundaries and rethink the future. Called “Best of Benilde”, the category will select five standout proposals, awarding them each with a PHP 50,000 grant and offering them the rare opportunity toward real-world realisation.
This year’s theme draws inspiration from the evolving world of kinetic art—works that not only move but also respond, interact and adapt. From the early inventions of Leonardo da Vinci to the fantastical biokinetic machines of David Medalla, to today’s interactive sculptures powered by solar panels, sensors, or wind, there is a growing movement toward designs that reflect nature rather than conquer it.
This initiative is led by a powerhouse team of convenors—Ayi Magpayo, Rita Nazareno, Gabby Lichauco, Joselina Cruz and Dindin Araneta—with the support of Br. Dodo Fernandez FSC, Benilde president and a practising visual artist. Together, they imagine a platform for collaboration, invention, and bold thinking that resists the status quo.
Through this endeavour and other projects that empower students to lead in creative, digital and service industries, Benilde continues its commitment to championing innovation and inclusion.
Full guidelines, eligibility requirements, and proposal forms are available at benildeopen.com. Submissions are open until July 30.
NOW READ
Meet the 25 innovators from the Philippines recognised as Tatler Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2025
Patis Tesoro shows no signs of slowing down in her effort to preserve and promote Filipino design
Franz writes about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Art Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright. But above all this, this Aether main spends more time in Teyvat than anywhere else.
