The Ateneo Art Gallery, co-presented with the Kalaw-Ledesma Foundation, Inc., is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Ateneo Art Awards - Purita Kalaw-Ledesma Prizes in Art Criticism. Entering its 13th year, this prestigious prize welcomes entries on the theme of "Futurities" and invites art critics and writers to explore how art can help us imagine possible futures amid current global challenges.

The prize features two categories: English and Filipino language submissions. A panel of jurors will shortlist a maximum of six (6) writers from each category. Winners will then be selected by the editors of partner publications including The Philippine Star, ArtAsiaPacific, Katipunan: Journal ng mga Pag-aaral sa Wika, Panitikan, Sining at Kulturang Filipino, Orange Project Naranja Writer's Residency, The White House Writer's Residency, and Indeks.

The theme "Futurities" reflects on humanity's capacity to imagine alternative futures. Drawing from Purita Kalaw-Ledesma's 1950 observation about artists' response to historical events, the prize asks contemporary writers to engage with current global circumstances including ongoing conflicts, the legacy of the pandemic, technological disruption through generative AI, and the struggle for survival. The prize seeks critical perspectives on how art functions as an instrument for imagining futures during times of uncertainty.

This opportunity is ideal for art critics, writers, and cultural commentators who wish to contribute meaningful discourse on contemporary and visual arts in relation to future possibilities.