If you’re a mom of a creative college student—or you’re a student yourself looking for a platform to showcase your art—the Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) is something you should know about.
Now on its 58th year, Shell NSAC is one of the longest-running and most prestigious student art contests in the Philippines. And guess what? Submissions for 2025 are officially open!
What is Shell NSAC 2025 All About?
This year’s theme is “ALAB”—a Filipino word that means flame, spark, or burning passion.
Shell is inviting students to create art that shows what fuels their creativity. Whether it’s personal convictions, cultural identity, or raw emotional truths, ALAB is about tapping into the fire within and expressing it through art.
Who Can Join the Shell Art Competition?
The contest is open to:
- College students enrolled with at least 9 academic units during the academic year 2024–2026
- Graduates from AY 2024–2025 who created their artwork while still enrolled
Students can submit up to 2 entries per category, and the available categories are:
- Oil/Acrylic Painting
- Watercolor
- Sculpture
- Digital Fine Arts
- Photography
It doesn’t matter where in the Philippines you’re from—Shell NSAC aims to include all aspiring artists, regardless of background or school location.
What Are the Prizes?
Top 3 winners per category will receive:
- Cash prizes
- Limited-edition NSAC merchandise
- Plaques of recognition
- A chance to be featured in Shell’s national art exhibitions and publications
PLUS: The schools of 1st place winners will get a faculty development grant to support their arts programs.
Submission Timeline
- Call for Entries: June 6, 2025
- Deadline: October 6, 2025
- Final Judging: November 11–12, 2025
- Awards Night: December 5, 2025
How Can You Join?
All entries must be submitted online at:
www.shell.com.ph/nsac
Questions? You can email the organizers directly at:
[email protected]
Why This Matters for Moms (and Students!)
As moms, we know how important it is to support our kids’ passions. If your child loves to draw, paint, take photos, or design, NSAC could be their big break—just like it was for legends such as Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, BenCab, and newer artists like Leeroy New and Ronald Ventura.
Encourage your child to submit their work or help spread the word to other student artists who might need that push.
Who knows? This could be the start of something amazing.
