In a world fraught with challenges, one university stands at the forefront of celebrating curiosity, creativity, and innovation. De La Salle College of Saint Benilde commemorates its 35th year with the launch of Benilde Open Design and Art 2024, unveiling an unprecedented showcase of ingenuity and talent.
With 324 proposals pouring in from creative industry practitioners and Benilde students alike, anticipation mounts for groundbreaking projects. Artists, architects, technologists, engineers, and craftsmen, among others, have collaborated to bring unseen visions to life.
The selected proposals, a testament to the boundless potential of human imagination, will grace public venues from May 23 to June 30, 2024. These include the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde – Design + Arts Campus, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) Manila, and the Hub for Innovation.
In a pioneering collaboration with De La Salle University and the Embassy of Switzerland, Benilde Open Design and Art 2024 aims to push the boundaries of art and innovation. Ten projects in the Benilde Open category have received grants of P300,000 each, while one special mention project has secured full funding from a private donor.
Benilde Open Grantees
Among the selected projects is “Tropikalye” by Nice Buenaventura and Costantino Zicarelli, an online index showcasing the accidental intersections of contemporary Philippine aesthetics and everyday life. Meanwhile, “Nightingales” by RJ Fernandez sheds light on the Filipino presence in the UK’s National Health Service through an observational documentary.
Other notable projects include “Stakeholding: Chapter 1, A Developing Tabletop Game” by Lyra Garcellano, “RE-MOVE: Unraveling truths behind the spectacle of indigenous exposition” by Aaron Kaiser Garcia, and “Exploring the Use of Philippine Silk in Tausug Pisyabit Weaving” by Rambie Lim.
Best of Benilde Grantees
In the Best of Benilde category, seventeen student proposals have been selected, spanning a wide range of innovative ideas. From immersive exhibition spaces inspired by literary classics to smart therapeutic devices promoting self-regulation, these projects showcase the depth of talent nurtured at Benilde.
Moreover, the launch of Benilde Open Design and Art 2024 coincides with the opening of the exhibition “Heidi Bucher: and pull yesterday into today” at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) Manila. Featuring the works of Swiss artist Heidi Bucher, the exhibition promises to captivate audiences with its exploration of art and fashion.
In addition to the exhibitions, a series of public programs including conversations, guided tours, and workshops will be offered throughout the event. These programs aim to engage audiences in meaningful dialogue and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts.
Benilde Open Convenors
Benilde Open Selection Committee
The selection committee, comprising distinguished practitioners from various creative industries sectors, has played a pivotal role in curating this extraordinary showcase of talent. Their expertise and insights have ensured that Benilde Open Design and Art 2024 represents the pinnacle of artistic innovation.
As the curtains rise on Benilde Open Design and Art 2024, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde reaffirms its commitment to nurturing creativity and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. In a world beset by challenges, it is through the power of curiosity and imagination that we pave the way for a brighter future.
Photos Courtesy of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde
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