No Borders, OnlyArt

Using the arts as a potent instrument to promote peace and unity, the International Visitors Program-Philippines Alumni Foundation, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the U.S. Embassy in Manila presented "Arts Across Borders" that was also a gathering of artists and art lovers for the cause of peace.

The surprisingly large turn-out at "Arts Across Borders" last June 5 at the main lobby of the Cultural Center was a simple but noble way of the groups behind the presentation to help in the resolution of political conflicts arising out of the recent national elections, fighting in Mindanao and ongoing wars in certain parts of the world by reminding the public that arts can dissolve divisive borders and facilitate better understanding among different cultures.

"In a simple way, we want to show that arts can dissolve borders and that arts can be a medium of communication for peace and unity," CCP president Nestor Jardin says.

The event was also aimed to promote the arts to build linkages between artists and art patrons. Performances, a mini-culinary festival and a photo exhibit were also featured in the event.

Performers in the program were the multi-talented Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music (ailm) Chorale, Tanghalang Pilipino, Ballet Philippines, pianist Greg Zuniega, soprano Luz Morete, harpist Christian Caragayan, actress Irma Adlawan-Marasigan, US Embassy Press Attache Karen Kelly, Muslim chanter Naim Solaiman and guitarist Perf de Castro.

A special feature of the event was the "People of the Philippines" photo exhibit organized by director Anton Juan in conjunction with the Heritage Month celebration.

The presentation of "Arts Across Borders" resulted from the belief of the IVP’s group on cultural promotion and identity, headed by Jardin, that art could be a potent instrument to promote peace and unity not only in the country but also in the rest of the world.

"And so director Laurice Guillen and I thought of this idea," Jardin explained. "It basically espouses the fact that art could heal the world and bridge gaps in our fragmented society. The CCP also organized a peace concert last year at the height of the conflict in Mindanao and we thought this could be made an annual event."

Jardin, an IVP alumnus who studied arts administration in the U.S., believes art can help, even in a small way, as a rallying point to achieve unity.

"We tend to make ourselves live within borders. We set boundaries and if you cross boundaries then conflict arises," he says. "I feel that there should be no boundaries and the arts can be a unifying force because when people use the arts as a means to communicate, then borders dissolve. It is a universal language and people can speak of their aspirations and hopes more effectively through the arts–music, dance, poetry, novels and films."

"This particular activity celebrates peace, and looks at the inclusive nature of Philippine society as well as some aspects of American culture," adds Thomas Kral, cultural affairs officer of the U.S. Embassy, who was given a surprise tribute as he ends his tour of duty in the Philippines. "We feel that in promoting our overall program to bring cultural presentations to the Philippines, we enable Filipinos to be exposed to different aspects of American culture."

The U.S. Embassy’s

Cultural Affairs Office is involved in the exchange of Filipinos and U.S. nationals in the areas of education, professional development and cultural interaction.

Recently, 31 Muslim and Christian youth from the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (armm) went to Illinois to participate in a month-long program of resolving conflict in a non-violent way. The trip also exposed them to various aspects of American culture.

Aniceto Sobrepena, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the IVP, said their organization is using what their members have learned and experienced in the U.S. in conjunction with their own reflections of the situation in the country as a simple but defined objective.

"We should have an event which promotes peace and dialogue, using culture as a means of interaction," Sobrepena says. Arts Across Borders is one such event, and a sure step in the direction of peace and mutual under-standing.