The Victorias City government through its Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO) opened the Victorias Sidlak Artists’ Park on Thursday, December 14.
The LEDIPO converted the skating rink in the City Public Plaza into the Victorias Sidlak Artists’ Park, which features murals created by Victoriahanon young artists, a press release from Victorias City said Friday.
“By converting potential tourist spots in our city, like our City Public Plaza, we hope to jumpstart a more sustainable cultural and tourism development,” Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said.
Benitez expressed his support for the project and emphasized the significance of supporting the creative industry of the city.
One of its major highlights was the mural painting challenge participated by six local schools.
Over the past week, student artists showcased their flair at the skating rink by transforming the elevations and benches into canvasses, reflecting the six-point agenda of Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez namely: Disaster Resilient Communities, Diversified Human Settlements, Dynamic Governance, Education for All, and Universal Healthcare.
Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias bested the other five competing teams and won the P80,000 cash prize, followed by the Negros Occidental National Science High School and Victorias National High School who received P60,000 and P40,000, respectively.
Non-winning teams received a consolation prize of P20,000.
Sixty percent of their cash prize will go to the artists or participants while 40 percent will go to the art program of their respective schools.
The Sidlak Artists’ Park also features an art installation of Victoriahanon Artist Dennis Valenciano.
LEDIPO headed by LEDIP Officer Paolo Valladarez organized the event in collaboration with DTI.
DTI Creative Focal Officer Aisel Tupas was the guest at the ceremony. *