Iloilo City wants to be Art Capital of the Philippines
Iloilo City Government, through the leadership of Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, is strongly pushing for the promotion of the metropolis as the Art Capital of the Philippines.
“Part of my personal dream for the city is to make Iloilo an art capital, thru public art all over the city. I met almost all of our Ilonggo artists and asked help on how to make my dream possible,” said Treñas.
Ilonggo artists have made vacant walls and spaces in city as canvas for their paintings and murals. These masterpieces increased arts awareness and appreciation to the public and were also added attractions for tourists and visitors.
As a lover of art, Treñas believes that it is a powerful tool for self-care and mental health.
“During this pandemic, we were able to give positive energies through our art while providing a source of living to our Ilonggo artists,” he said.
Iloilo Arts Festival
The father of the city issued an Executive Order which created the Iloilo City Local Culture and Arts Council (ICLCAC) and its Committee on Cultural Heritage Conservation which will spearhead year-long programs, projects and events.
The initiative is a collaboration of City Government, national government agencies, artist groups, academe, and private sector partners.
The mayor met members of the council and started conceptualizing and preparing the proposed calendar of events throughout the year with a grand celebration of various arts to be highlighted in Iloilo Arts Festival on October.
These will cover arts including cinema, dramatic, literary, visual, dance, music, and architecture.
Initial plans include film-making and showing of locally-produced short films in newly-renovated plazas, murals restoration, art education, book launching, poetry reading, bike tours, photo contests, design competitions, exhibits, cultural mapping, concerts, performances, lecture workshops, symposiums, and awards, among others.
The annual arts and cultural heritage plan aims to develop and sustain local talents and preserve the rich Ilonggo traditions for people to enjoy. (Iloilo City PIO)