Ateneo Art Awards 2025 Names Finalists—Here’s Where to See Their Work

Every year, the Ateneo Art Gallery (AAG) recognizes the best in contemporary Filipino visual art and art criticism through the Ateneo Art Awards. This long-running program is divided into two categories: Fernando Zóbel Prizes for Visual Art, which honors outstanding exhibitions held within a two-year period by young Filipino artists under the age of 36; and the Purita Kalaw-Ledesma Prizes in Art Criticism, launched in 2014 and named after the art patron and writer who founded the Art Association of the Philippines. As a celebration of the arts, it plays a vital role not only in recognizing emerging talent but also in nurturing the development of the contemporary art scene, as it provides a platform for new voices and encourages critical dialogue.

On August 19, Wednesday, at the Grand Atrium, Shangri-La Plaza, AAG announced this year's finalists for both categories. A special preview of the exhibition is on display at the same venue until August 25, giving the mall-going public the chance to check out the pieces. The full exhibition, featuring all the shortlisted works and essays, will be open from September 5 to December 7 at the Ateneo Art Gallery.

The winners will be revealed at the awarding ceremony on October 5, 2025, at the Ateneo Art Gallery. Visitors can also cast their vote through the People’s Choice Poll during the exhibition's run. The winner of this special award will be announced after the show closes on December 7, 2025.

In its 12th year, the Purita Kalaw-Ledesma Prizes in Art Criticism, co-presented with the Kalaw-Ledesma Foundation and The Philippine Star, received entries centered on the theme "Flight." The competition will name two winners from the English category, chosen by The Philippine Star and ArtAsiaPacific, and one winner from the Filipino category, selected by Katipunan Journal.

The winning writers will not only have their work published by the program's partners but will also be awarded month-long residencies. New to the list of residency partners is Indeks in Bandung, Indonesia, joining returning partners Orange Project Naranja Residency in Bacolod and The White House in Zambales.