Shaping the Nation’s Creative Landscape: Shell Pilipinas Corporation Spotlights Emerging Filipino Artists with the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition
This year’s competition adopts “ALAB” as its theme: a powerful representation of the passion, hope, and purpose that drives today’s generation of artists.
Shell Pilipinas Corporation commemorates decades of artistic excellence with the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC).
Widely regarded as the Philippines’ longest-running art competition for students, the Shell NSAC continues to be a driving force in nurturing the artistic potential of the Filipino youth, empowering them to help shape the cultural landscape in the country.
Since its inception in 1951, Shell NSAC has served as a springboard for some of the Philippines’ most celebrated artists, including National Artists Jose Joya, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Ang Kiukok, and Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera, as well as contemporary artists such as Ronald Ventura and Leeroy New.
Over the years, Shell NSAC has expanded the scope of the competition to encourage artistic innovation and open new avenues for creative expression. More than a showcase of student artistry, it aims to spark creativity and innovation that inspire the creation of a more progressive, future-ready society. Every year, a fresh theme motivates students to experiment, push creative boundaries, and offer their perspectives on the world around them.
ALAB: A Representation of Passion, Hope, and Purpose
For its 58th edition, the Shell NSAC adopts “ALAB” as its theme. According to Shell’s official website, the theme is “a powerful representation of the passion, hope, and purpose that drives today’s generation of artists.” It calls on young artists to embrace the passion that fuels their artistic journeys and to reveal the narratives behind their inspiration.
The competition has five categories: Oil/Acrylic, Watercolor, Sculpture, Digital Fine Arts, and Photography. Acceptance of qualified entries from student artists began in June 2025 and judging based on the following criteria commenced on November 11.
Winners of the 58th Shell National Student Art Competition will be announced on December 5, 2025.
Faith in Filipino Artistry
More than just an art contest, the Shell NSAC is a collaborative effort that unites individuals and institutions in support of a generation using art to envision a brighter future.
Shell is immensely grateful for the contributions of those that have made the platform available to young artists, as their faith in Filipino artistry has enabled an annual celebration of local talent, creativity, and vision.
The 58th Shell National Student Art Competition is made possible through the support of its major sponsors Boysen Philippines, IFEX, and Airspeed; and institutional and cultural collaborators that help cultivate and connect artistic communities nationwide: Aquino Center and Museum, Artist Welfare Inc., Orange Project, Gravity Art Space, Cebu City Museum, Clark Museum and 4D Theater, GK Gallery Tagaytay, GK Gallery Cadiz, Galerie Joaquin, Thombayan Art Space, Arts Geek Manila, Ayala Museum, Bahay Modernismo, Tandang Sora Women’s Museum, The Quezon Heritage House, Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA), Anima Art Space, and the National Museum of the Philippines.
For updates on the 58th Shell National Students Art Competition, including exhibit schedules, finalist announcements, and key events, follow Shell Pilipinas Corporation on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, and visit its official website.
