Art auction for art's sake

MANILA, Philippines - Believing in the wealth of talent in the Philippines, the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) Philippines is holding an art auction on Feb. 6 at the Finale Art File. The funds will help provide grants to deserving Filipino artists and scholars to develop and enhance their craft through exposure to and interaction with other artists from Asia and the United States.

Established in 1963 by John D. Rockefeller 3rd, the Asian Cultural Council's grants program suports cultural exchange in the visual and performing arts between the United States and the countries of Asia.

ACC Philippines Foundation Inc. was established in 2000, dedicated to supporting the arts community in the Philippines, enabling more grants to be given to support the vibrant arts community in the country. Since its inception, the ACC fellowship program has supported over 600 Asian and American artists, including over 200 from the Philippines.

Many of the ACC grant recipients have gone on to become leaders in their fields. Among them are National Artists for Music Lucrecia Kasilag and Jose Maceda, National Artist for Visual Arts Jose Joya, former CCP president Nestor Jardin, founder of Ballet Philippines Alice Reyes, and noted film maker Tikoy Aguiluz.

At the Feb. 6 event, rare works by National Artists Arturo Luz, Bencab and Jose Joya, Popo San Pascual, Nune Alvarado, Norma Belleza,Neal Oshima, Wig Tysman, Lao Lianben, Don Salubayba, and more will be auctioned as part of the ACC Philippines' yearly fundraising activities.

It is the goal of the ACC Philippines to enable more artists and scholars to receive grants each year.

The ACC Art Auction is on Feb. 6, 4 pm at the Finale Art File on Pasong Tamo, Makati, with previews on Feb. 4 and 5. Anonline catalog may also be viewed on website http://www.asianculturalcouncil.org. Artists and scholars interested in applying for grants may visit the website for more information.