BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Covid-19 pandemic failed to stop the city government of Cadiz from helping local artists, with Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. saying that “in times of health emergencies, better persons evolve.”
Escalante led the launching on June 11 of the 1st Cadiz City painting competition, in line with its 54th Charter Day celebration, noting that Cadiz has many young local artists.
“If we spend money on basketball teams, badminton competition, or fun run, why not invest on our young artists? At the same, we create livelihood for the people,” Escalante said.
He also said the competition will give Cadiz City artists a venue to improve their crafts, and that the competition will soon be province-wide and ultimately regionwide.
Since there is a pandemic, Escalante said he would like to expose the artists through their art works. “In times of crisis, when we cannot roam around, it does not mean, we become stagnant,” he stressed.
“There are other ways to continue living, and I believe, art is one way to encourage people,” Escalante said, adding that the competition is limited to 40 slots, but 60 came for the launching and briefing, and even minors wanted to join.
The real essence of the competition, Escalante said, is for artists to express themselves through art, and continue living. “There are still incomes, even though you are staying at home,” he added.
The grand prize in the competition is P30,000, second prize – P25,000, third – P20,000, fourth – P15,000, and fifth prize – P10,000.
Five finalists will get P5,000 each, consolation prizes is P1,000, and all participants will have seed money of P1,500, Escalante said. Entries should be 30×40 inches and the medium to be used should be acrylic or oil on canvas. It should be about tourist spots in Cadiz City. Deadline and judging of entries is on July 3 at the Cadiz City arena.*