Grants for Filipino animators, artists, and game developers are now up for grabs

By supporting and encouraging Filipinos to create original content, the CCP aims to produce a collection of original IP and a deep understanding of their IP rights and build a national identity in terms of original Filipino content development that will showcase the talent and ingenuity of the Filipino people that is at par with global standards.

According to CCP Board of Trustee Benedict Carandang, “Global Animation Industry revenue is around US$270 billion and the Philippines contribute to around US$20 million to $30 million per year. We have an estimated 10,000 full-time artists supporting this industry. On the other hand, the Global Gaming market is around US$174.9 billion, and $1.38 million is the local contribution or .008 percent of the market worldwide. In the comics industry meanwhile, we have around 1000+ self-published titles, 266 published titles from 12 publishers, and an estimated 5000 original IP creators supporting this industry.” Trustee Carandang hopes that the seed investment of the CCP will help encourage future government legislators to support and fund programs like this that can help stimulate the local creative economy.

Filipino content creators can pitch their ideas for a chance to win in any of the following three categories, namely: Game Development Grant, Animation Grant, and Comics Grant.

For the Game Development Grant, a potential of four SEC-recognized game development organizations will be awarded a maximum cap funding of P1.5 million each, and a maximum of P300,000 each to independent game developers to create and complete a digital game project with a mix of creative, cultural, and commercial outcomes, and content derived from the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art.

The Comics grant offers P330,000 for a potential of six winners; while the Animation Grant has funding of P2 million each for four potential winners to bring into life five-minute animated short films. Both the animation and comics output must be developed around the theme, Philippine Folktales, Myths and Legends. In addition, a training component with leading industry professionals will be integrated for the winners.

CCP Board of Trustee Nikki Junia closes, "In this digital era, visual and literary arts in the form of animation, comics, and even gaming have made an impact in the lives of the public. Animation allows us to tell stories that both children and adults can relate to while it stimulates imagination and creativity bringing it to real life. Comics are a creative way of communicating history and sharing cultures that can be intriguing and entertaining. An equally thriving industry is the gaming industry, as it helps build communities and connect people from all over the world. All these art forms are important to be given attention to as they can support the preservation, development, and awareness of the culture and arts that will be engaging for today's generation."

The CCP Grants program is supported by the following associations: Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines (SIKAP), Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI), and KOMIKET. Filipino individuals and organizations at all stages of their careers are invited to join.

To learn all the details, visit the Game Development Grant Application form: https://forms.gle/cvM1UNqLmWSEK6239 and the Animation and Comics Grant Application form: https://forms.gle/7P6PNASVPsXhtgUo9.

Meanwhile, here are some celebrities who are also into arts.