Art as advocacy: Philippine mural contest adds to South China Sea messaging push

A nationwide mural contest backed by Philippine government agencies has been launched in Manila, the latest in a string of cultural initiatives aimed at shaping public narratives around the South China Sea dispute.Organised by a Manila-based maritime think tank and supported by state institutions including the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the competition invites artists, students and ordinary Filipinos to create large-scale works inspired by the “West Philippine Sea” – Manila’s term for parts of the disputed South China Sea it considers within its maritime territory.The total prize money exceeds 5 million pesos (US$300,000).Prominent Filipino artist A.G. Sano, who is serving as the director of the mural initiative, said on Monday that the contest was aimed at promoting “the importance of the South China Sea as something that’s positive”.“We’re not encouraging violence or antagonistic images [towards any foreign leaders],” he added.Muralist A.G. Sanno speaks at the launch of the competition. Photo: Raissa RoblesSano stressed that while organisers recognised any artist’s right to freedom of expression, “I would say those showing negativity are most likely not going to be selected” for this particular contest.