The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is now accepting nominations. These are for the Order of the National Artist (ONA), the Philippines’ highest honor for artists. Nominations can be submitted until June 30, 2024.
To be eligible for the ONA, an artist must be a Filipino citizen. They must have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine art. Artists can be nominated in one of the next categories:
• Architecture and Allied Arts
• Dance
• Design
• Film and Broadcast Arts
• Literature
• Music
• Theater
• Visual Arts
What makes artist a National Artist?
There are five criteria for choosing as a National Artist:
1. The artist must be a Filipino citizen who is alive at the time of nomination and at the awarding. Alternatively, the artist must have died after the establishment of the award in 1972. They must have been a Filipino citizen at the time of their death.
2. The artist must have made a significant contribution to Philippine art. They do this through the content and form of their work.
3. The artist must have pioneered a mode of creative expression. This style earned distinction and affected succeeding generations of artists.
4. The artist must have created a considerable and significant body of work. They must consistently show excellence in the practice of their art form. This enriches artistic expression or style.
5. The artist must enjoy broad acceptance. This is shown by prestigious national and international recognition. Critical acclaim and/or reviews of their work also show this acceptance. The artist must have respect and esteem from peers.
L-R: Dr. Gemino H. Abad (Literature), Alice Reyes (Dance), and Ricky Lee (Film and Broadcast Arts).
A rare moment
Three National Artists were there at the press conference announcing the opening of ONA nominations: Dr. Gemino H. Abad (Literature), Alice Reyes (Dance), and Ricky Lee (Film and Broadcast Arts). It is a rare occasion to have three National Artists together in one room.
L-R: NCCA Chairman Victorino Manalo, Ricky Lee (Film and Broadcast Arts), Alice Reyes (Dance), and Dr. Gemino H. Abad (Literature).
Whang-Od not a National Artist
When asked why Whang-Od, the renowned tattoo artist, is not a National Artist, NCCA Chairman Victorino Manalo explained. He stated that her artistic field aligns more closely with the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan. This is the National Living Treasures Award. This award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and development of traditional arts and culture.
How to nominate an artist
Nominations for the ONA can be submitted by government agencies, non-government cultural organizations, educational institutions, and private foundations or councils. Nominations must include a detailed justification of the artist’s qualifications. They should also have supporting documents such as reviews, articles, and awards.
For more information on the ONA nomination process, please visit the NCCA website.
https://ncca.gov.ph/2023/11/23/ona-call-for-nominations-now-open/
Call to action
Do you know an artist who deserves to be recognized as a National Artist? If so, please encourage them or their nominators to send in a nomination. The deadline is June 30, 2024.
