Deadline: 15-Jul-2025
The ESC Projects Space Grant invites artists, curators, creatives, architects, and cultural practitioners to activate and transform spaces within the First United Building and the Escolta district.
This open call encourages bold, site-responsive interventions that move beyond static displays and actively engage with the space and its communities.
Funding Information
- One (1) project will be selected for this open call. 98B will provide the following to the successful applicants:
- Artist fee amounting to ₱25,000
- Roundtrip Airfare if based outside of Manil
- Production fee up to ₱50,000 (based on the approved project
- Budget by the Selection Committee
- Logistical and curatorial support during project development and implementation
- Design and engagement support for collaterals/promotional material!
- Modest daily allowance
- Duos or collectives may apply. If based outside Metro Manila, they will need to secure their own airfare and accommodation.
Expectations
- The artist will work with 98B to further develop their project
- The artist will implement their project during ESC Biennale 2025 in December 2025
- The artist will be given a modest daily allowance but is encouraged to have extra funds for additional/emergency expenses (e.g., food, commute, miscellaneous))
- 98B and the British Council will promote the project through social media and other channels. The frequency and format of posts can be discussed, but updates will be shared throughout the residency and/or biennale
- The artist is expected to participate in marketing and documentation efforts during the residency. This includes sharing updates, insights, or materials that can be featured on 98B and the British Council’s social media and other channels.
- The frequency and format of posts can be discussed, but updates will be shared throughout the project implementation at the end of the project, the artist will provide feedback to help assess and improve future programming by 98B and British Council.
Eligibility Criteria
- This open call welcomes applications from Filipino artists with a project proposal that will be implemented in Escolta, Manila, during the ESC Biennale in December 2025. They are open to any kind of medium or form — visual arts, performance, recent media, workshops — as long as the proposal aligns with the ‘tambay’ concept envisioned for the biennale’s curatorial direction.
- They are particularly interested in proposals that emphasize public participation, dialogue, and direct engagement with the communities of Escolta. The aim is to foster meaningful connections between the space, its visitors, and the surrounding urban environment. We also encourage works that engage with the architectural features, historical context, and unique characteristics of the First United Building and Escolta, Manila.
- The applicant can be an individual, duo, or collective. They must be based in Metro Manila during the project implementation. If not based in Metro Manila, applicants may still apply but will need to secure external funding for their accommodation and airfare. 98B can assist in finding accommodation but will not cover the costs.
Application Requirements
- Interested applicants should prepare the following materials:
- Project proposal (max. 500 words)
- Artist portfolio
- Brief biography and CV
- Estimated project budget
For more information, visit ESC Biennale.
