The Provincial Government of Bohol, in partnership with the Bohol Art and Cultural Heritage Council, has announced an exciting new painting competition aimed at showcasing the province’s geological and cultural treasures.
The “Geosites sa Bohol: Pinta sa Sugilanon” contest invites artists to creatively interpret the stunning landscapes and rich history of Bohol Geopark through their artwork.
Set to open on July 18, 2024, the exhibition will run until August 10 at the Capitol Lobby in Bohol. The contest is part of the Sandugo 2024 celebrations and was initiated by Lucell Larawan, Chairman of the Committee on Visual Arts.
“This competition provides a unique platform for artists to express their vision of Bohol’s natural wonders,” said Larawan. “We hope to inspire both participants and viewers to appreciate the deep connection between our geological heritage and cultural identity.”
Participants were assigned specific geosites through a random draw, ensuring a diverse representation of Bohol’s landmarks.
Iconic locations such as the Chocolate Hills, Alicia Schist, Alicia Panoramic Park, and Lamanoc Point serve as inspiration for the artworks. Artists were challenged to depict how these geological features intertwine with the daily lives and traditions of Boholanos.
The contest aims to achieve multiple objectives beyond artistic expression. By highlighting Bohol’s geosites, organizers hope to raise awareness about conservation efforts and sustainable development in the region. Additionally, the event seeks to foster community engagement and pride among residents and visitors alike.
A panel of three distinguished visual arts experts will judge the entries based on creativity and interpretation (50%), originality (20%), and technical skill (30%). To ensure fairness, the evaluation process will be conducted anonymously, with each artwork assigned a unique identification number.
Substantial cash prizes await the winners, with PHP 30,000 for first place, PHP 25,000 for second, and PHP 20,000 for third. Seven consolation prizes of PHP 5,000 each will also be awarded.
The opening ceremony and awards presentation will take place on July 18 at 2 PM, marking the start of the public exhibition. Art enthusiasts and community members are encouraged to visit the Capitol Lobby to view the artworks and learn about the stories behind Bohol’s geosites.
The “Geosites sa Bohol: Pinta sa Sugilanon” contest represents a creative approach to promoting cultural and environmental awareness. By merging art with geology, the event promises to offer a fresh perspective on Bohol’s beloved landmarks.
Interested parties can find more information on the official Facebook page of the Provincial Government of Bohol or by contacting the Center for Culture and Art Development (CCAD) Office. Artists will be able to retrieve their artworks from August 11-18, following the conclusion of the exhibition.
As Bohol continues to position itself as a hub for both natural wonders and artistic expression, events like “Geosites sa Bohol: Pinta sa Sugilanon” play a crucial role in shaping the region’s cultural landscape and tourism appeal, Capitol has said.