‘The direction that Mr. Sansó really wanted to help in the building of art in culture in the Philippines’
Bayanihan reigns supreme in the local arts scene as well with artists and institutions helping one another to survive this pandemic. The latest to demonstrate that is Fundacion Sansó as it sold two works of art to aid Museo Pambata, which has remained temporarily closed due to the ongoing health crisis.
The non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of artist Juvenal Sansó put to sale the artist's two limited-edition giclees, the "Golden Bloom" and "Wandering Dream," to raise funds for the popular children's museum in Manila. The fundraising event was held "to ensure the continuation of the museum's service to the Filipino children."
“Since last year, children have been studying within the safety of their homes. Museo Pambata has been highly affected without their usual support from busloads of children who normally visit the museum to experience their educational exhibitions and programs," Fundacion Sansó director Ricky Francisco said. "Acting in this current community, Fundacion Sansó reached out for the continuation of Museo Pambata’s programs as they cling on to the new normal."
“During the lockdown was a very difficult time for Museo Pambata," Museo Pambata President Bambi Mañosa. "We have to let go a lot of our staff, so we are a very lean team right now.”
Dubbed, "Flowers for the Children," the fundraiser started in November 2020 where part of the proceeds were gathered for the museum. The turnover of the proceeds took place in June 2021 and was streamed live on their Facebook page. Apart from the giclee sales, two prints of the artworks and a certificate of donation was given by Fundacion Sansó to Museo Pambata. Returning the gratitude, the children's museum gave the non-profit organization a gift of sweet honey made from its own apiary.
“The direction that Mr. Sansó really wanted, which is to take part really important, to help in the building of art in culture in the Philippines. What better way than to work together with Museo Pambata? Because the children are our future. The world belongs to them. So we cannot let Museo Pambata go especially because they are understandably hit with the pandemic, because children are not allowed to go out due to health protocol reasons," Fundacion Sansó chairman Joaquin Teotico said. "So what we need to do is join us and help Museo Pambata. Take this opportunity to work together to strengthen the museum. The museum now is 26 years old and what better time now to re-evaluate, re-direct, and even strengthen it. On behalf of Fundacion Sansó, I’m sure the board of trustees will be very happy to really do all you can to support this endeavor.”