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MGM Kicks-Off at Diwa

admin January 9, 2023

THE Museum and Galleries Month (MGM) kicked-off at the Diwa ng Tarlac with the opening of the second year edition of the Tarlac Art Fair and the first year of the Central Luzon Art Fair that feature Tarlaqueño artworks last October 5.

Attended by National Committee on Museums and National Commission for Culture and the Arts head Dr. Eleazar Bersales, National Committee on Art Galleries head Danilo Del Sol and National Museum of the Philippines representative Rizza Salterio, the MGM, with a theme “Embracing Uncertainty: Showcasing Solidarity, Hope and Recovery” is observed in the month of October every year.

FOR THE ARTS AND CULTURE. Governor Susan Yap and Board Member Joy Gilbert Lamorena pose with National Committee on Museums and National Commission for Culture and the Arts head Dr. Eleazar Bersales, National Committee on Art Galleries head Danilo Del Sol and National Museum of the Philippines representative Rizza Salterio, and other members of the Museum and Galleries Month committee.

It honors museums and galleries and highlights the importance of pride in Filipino culture and heritage. Additionally, it’s to arouse “national consciousness.” Museums and Galleries Month emphasizes the fact that a country’s art and culture are intrinsically linked to the process of nation-building and the idea of national destiny. The was established back in 1991 through Presidential Proclamation No. 798.

During the month of October, exhibitions aim to present “expressions of unity and national identity” in the Philippines.

Del Sol said that the National Committee on Arts and Galleries chose Tarlac because he fell in love with the place.

“I visited Tarlac in 2020 and I fell in love with it and I have been asking our group to do our kick-off here but because of the pandemic did not happen. In God’s good time, it will happen and it happened now and this is God’s perfect time for us,” he said in an interview.

Del Sol also added that last year, there was a satellite exhibition of Manila Art in Tarlac in partnership with the Provincial Government of Tarlac.

“That became a catalyst for changes for the development and all of a sudden, Diwa ng Tarlac until 2024 is fully-booked with art exhibition,” Del Sol furthered.

For her part, Governor Susan Yap praised Tarlac artist for the quality of their work and the sheer number of artists.

“In the quality of their work and the sheer number of artists that came out these past years I am amazed. Dami palang sleeping na talents somewhere there and that we can see how the level of the quality of the work really improved and I am very proud…it’s so touching to see them that finally had the confidence to share their talents,” Gov. Yap said.

“We are so proud na napansin kami ng mga bigwig arts and galleries in Manila and that they have taken notice that Tarlac has something to offer. So I am very thankful to Mr. Danny for taking it here just bringing Tarlac to the forefront here in Central Luzon,” she added.

The art fair will last until October 31.

Prior to the pandemic, the last time the MGM Month kick-off ceremony was held in Iloilo City in 2019.

Board Member Joy Gilbert Lamorena and Camiling Mayor Erlon Agustin likewise attended the kick-off ceremony.