Museum-quality pieces at MaARTe artisan fair

MANILA, Philippines -The Museum Foundation of the Philippines presents “MaARTe 2013,” an exhibition and sale of museum-quality Philippine arts and crafts, from Aug. 23 to 25, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Rockwell Tent, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

Following the success of the previous year, MaARTe 2013 will gather up to 50 participants engaged in the production of distinct, handcrafted, indigenous, and artisanal products. The Foundation will promote these creative industries and cultural entrepreneurs by reaching out to Rockwell residents, their families and friends, residents of the neighboring communities, and the Museum Foundation’s enthusiastic supporters for arts and culture.

Al Caronan, curator and long-time creative director of numerous Manila-based international art fairs, participates in the exposition. He envisions this project as a showcase for “museum-quality crafts” that will provide the visitor a unique shopping experience. Recipients of the Museum Foundation’s efforts are the National Museum of the Philippines and activities funded by Museum Foundation through the years.

There is little doubt that fostering partnerships with the private sector and moving events closer to high-traffic areas like Rockwell will increase and broaden the reach of the National Museum. The Proscenium, Rockwell’s latest development, has recently come to partner with MaARTe in the same pioneering spirit it has shown at its conception, this time in support of small enterprises.

MaARTe 2013 sponsors include Security Bank, Globe, Calata Corporation, Diamond Hotel, Via Mare, Cibo, Milky Way Café, and Novellino Wines.

MaARTe co-chairpersons are Maritess Pineda and Armita Rufino, the creative director is Al Caronan, with the Museum Foundation of the Philippines Inc. as MaARTe secretariat, Mae de Leon is the executive assistant, and Elvie Magpayo is the administrative assistant.

For information, call 697-9509, telefax 404-2685, 0927-8484680 (Mae)/ 0949-333 8211 (Elvie), visit G/F Museum of the Filipino People (former Finance Building), Finance Road, Valencia Circle, Rizal Park, Manila, visit Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. www.facebook.com/maartebymfpi, or e-mail inquiry@museumfoundationph.org.