Artists appeal for reopening of exhibit places

CEBU, Philippines — Aside from appealing for financial assistance, the creative sector, particularly visual artists are asking the government to reopen museums, galleries, and exhibit places.

Artists from Visayas, led by Bayani Galera, a renowned installation artist, and Negros Occidental-based virtual artist Genoe, made this call during the recently held Shell Philippines’ Virtual Art Interact, an event that showcased the unique stories, courage and redemption of Visayan artists.

This leg of the Virtual Art Interact focusing on the Visayan region is the third of a series of virtual workshops that is in line with the 53rd National Students Art Competition (NSAC).

 “With everything now online, the pandemic also broke down the four walls of galleries and widened our audience. More people can appreciate art—whether it’s music, paintings, or theater. There are a lot of struggles and stories born out of this pandemic, and creatives have been expressing these feelings through art,” said Galera.

While many have quickly adapted to shutdowns by shifting from physical to virtual performances, it is still a different experience to see art works up close and personal, they said.

Arts have been giving people hope and sometimes entertainment during these challenging times and with the economy easing its quarantine restrictions, artists are asking the government to reopen galleries, museums and exhibit places.

  “We have the right to be assisted too,” and with the lifting of restrictions, Genoe said it is time that galleries and museums should now be opened to the public. These event venues are familiar with the protocol as they always ask guests to register.

  Galera, whose hometown is in Bohol, said opening these venues to the public is a big boost to the industry whose paychecks are melting away due to the lockdowns.

At present, many are scrambling to reinvest themselves online, but it is a different experience to see art progress during the pre-Covid times.

 According to Genoe, that just like any other sectors, the creative industry needs funding and empowerment to thrive in the new normal.

 The pandemic and the home isolation have unleashed the creativity of the Filipinos. He said many turned to art for comfort and hope.

 Breaking away from the conventional art symposia, which had been put on hold by the lockdowns, Shell Philippines’ Virtual Art Interact explores the various communities of artists from diverse Philippine regions, empowering them to narrate their struggles and victories through visual storytelling.

At present, the NSAC has received 1,300 entries. Its official awards ceremony is set this coming Nov. 27, 2020.

The participating artists are also calling the government’s attention on rescuing the industry via financial assistance to empower artists to take advantage of the US$2 trillion business.