De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde recently concluded the exhibition for the second edition of Benilde Open Design + Art, which presented a new wave of experimental works by Filipino creatives at the intersection of art, design, technology, and sustainability.
The exhibition brought to life projects developed through the College’s grant initiative, which supports all creatives such as artists, architects, designers, and filmmakers in producing bold, untried ideas. Selected Benilde Open grantees each received up to Php300,000 in production support, while Best of Benilde student grantees received Php50,000 each.
This year’s Benilde Open grantees were Andi Osmeña, Bianca Carague, Karl Castro, Kiri Dalena and Ben Brix, Krisher Appay, Mac Andre Arboleda, Mikael Joaquin, Nicolei Racal, Niño Tayao, and Studio Unosinotra. Under Best of Benilde, student grantee Patty Malijan and the group Tiyera, composed of Keren Dela Cruz, Xylene Del Castillo, and Stephen Vinzzon, also joined the exhibition lineup.
The finalists were selected by an international panel of judges composed of Freddy Anzures, Jihoi Lee, Mireia Luzárraga, Nathalie Huni, and Timothy Moore, whose expertise across design, architecture, technology, and contemporary culture helped shape this year’s Benilde Open.
All grantees developed works under the theme, “Extension of Nature,” which invited creatives to imagine how art and technology can work in harmony with the environment. The exhibition featured projects spanning installation, textile, video, industrial design, and other contemporary forms, reflecting diverse responses to ecology, memory, material experimentation, and cultural heritage.
The works were on view at the Design and Arts Campus on Pablo Ocampo St.
Benilde Open Design + Art and Best of Benilde are convened in synergy with De La Salle University by Ayi Magpayo, Rita Nazareno, Gabby Lichauco, Joselina Cruz, and Dindin Araneta, with the support of Br. Dodo Fernandez FSC, Benilde President. The initiative continues to serve as a platform for bold experimentation and interdisciplinary creative practice.