By Alex Salva Quiño
Manila Bulletin proudly presents Sketchfest, an annual on-the-spot poster-making competition that has become a beacon for art advocacy. From its humble beginnings in 2011 with around 200 participants gathered in a single venue, Sketchfest has grown into a nationwide activity, captivating the hearts of students, art enthusiasts, and creative groups from all corners of the Philippines.
With this year's theme "We Are All Created Equal," Sketchfest aims to foster unity, celebrate diversity, and champion the rights of all individuals. Sketchfest was designed to cater to different age groups and promote various artistic disciplines.
The On-the-Spot Category focuses on the traditional drawing medium and welcomes participants from the Kiddie (12 years old and below), Junior (13 to 18 years old), and Senior (19 years old and above) levels. The Digital Category showcases the wonders of digital artistry, inviting creators of all ages to exhibit their skills. Lastly, the Exhibition Category invites experienced artists aged 16 and above to showcase their talent.
Participants in Sketchfest have the chance to win exciting prizes, with a total value of P50,000 up for grabs. And for the On-the-spot category in Davao, Cebu, and Manila—aside from the usual prizes in each—the artwork that best encapsulates AirAsia's inspiring "#AlwaysReady" campaign may earn the creators round-trip tickets for two to any domestic destination, adding an extra touch of excitement and motivation.
Sketchfest will happen nationwide, which it has been doing since 2017, taking a break in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. SM City Davao will host Sketchfest on August 5, 2023, followed by SM Seaside City Cebu on September 2, and the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, on September 30.
“We look forward to a stronger attendance in this year's Sketchfest --- as we were very happy with the robust return of Sketchfest face-to-face last year in Davao, Cebu, and Manila," says Manila Bulletin Publisher Sonny Coloma.
To know more about the mechanics, visit sketchfest.mb.com.ph. For any questions, you may call (02)8527-8121 or send a message via email at [email protected].
Sketchfest 2023 is powered by SM City Davao, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Mall of Asia, GRAB, AirAsia, Radio Mindanao Networks, MultiMedia Networks Inc., iFM, National Museum of the Philippines, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, and Radisson Blue Hotel Cebu.