November 24 --We hosted a La Union leg for the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Department of Foreign Affairs' Cultural Retooling Programs. This unique event, centering on Arts Management and Community Development, promises a cultural feast on the shores of La Union.
Daloy Dance Company's Ea Torrado is a partner organiser along with Hungry Workhorse Events, she also gave a session on Daloy Movement and Meditation during this day in La Union! She is also an avid supporter of LU's Mebuyan's Vessel art installation by Leeroy New. And La Union based film maker Chino Neri is currently working on a documentary film about it, through the support of Searchmindcsape Foundation.
This morning marked a special occasion as Kiddo Cosio and Amy Cosio, the brilliant minds steering the ship at El Union Coffee Shop, graced the event as our esteemed Resource Speakers. Their presence infused the gathering with a wealth of knowledge and insights, setting the tone for a day of exploration and inspiration.
As the La Union leg unfolds, the anticipation builds for the discussions and experiences that lie ahead.
David Loughran, co-founder of Emerging Islands, shared riveting insights into the intersection of art and ecology. Their organization, known for seamlessly merging creativity with environmental consciousness, places decolonization, collaboration, and ecological awareness at the forefront of their endeavors.
Against the backdrop of the beachfront kubo at Flotsam, cultural officers from various Philippine embassies worldwide gathered for a day-long immersion into the realms of art, culture, and ecological sensitivity.
We also had a delectable lunch courtesy of Flotsam and Jetsam, setting the stage for engaging discussions and experiences. As the waves provided a soothing soundtrack, the audience eagerly anticipated the valuable contributions of the distinguished speakers.
Eva and Beverly, representing the Hiraya Collective for the blind, took center stage, offering profound insights into their journey of creating accessibility, empowerment, and collaboration within the arts. Their dedication to inclusivity through community workshops bridging the sighted and the blind was highlighted as a crucial contribution to the cultural landscape.
Carlos Tamayo's presentation on Project Curma added another layer of inspiration to the day. His elucidation of educational and livelihood programs targeting poachers, involving them in turtle conservation efforts, showcased the transformative power of love for nature. Project Curma's work in La Union was met with gratitude, reinforcing the event's commitment to ecologically aware cultural development.
Amidst the enriching sessions, participants had the privilege of exploring Leeroy New's monumental Mebuyan's Vessel in San Juan. David Loughran for providing a fantastic tour of Mebuyan's Vessel, adding an extra layer of depth to the cultural immersion. The art installation, a mesmerizing sight, became a favorite backdrop for group photos and selfies, capturing the essence of the day's artistic exploration.
As the La Union leg of the Cultural Retooling Programs concluded, the commitment to a more inclusive, diverse, and ecologically aware cultural landscape echoed in the minds of cultural officers and enthusiasts alike. The event had not only been an exploration of art and ecology but a celebration of collaboration, inclusivity, and the transformative power of conscious cultural engagement.
To build a cultural terrain that is not only diverse but also environmentally aware is now a shared aspiration, echoing beyond the shores of La Union.
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