Despite the ongoing pandemic, the Filipino heritage and culture will continue to be celebrated in this year's National Arts Month through diverse activities to be led by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
With the theme "Sining ng Pag-asa," the National Arts Month 2022 aims to recognize arts as a "source and expression of hope as shown in the creative ways we respond to the effects of the pandemic, natural calamities, and other social realities, as well as the arts’ role in improving our community life as Filipinos."
Led by the NCCA headed by its chairman, Arsenio "Nick" Lizaso, the celebration of this year's arts month will be composed of the flagship projects of the Subcommission on the Arts' (SCA) seven national committees.
These are Architecture and Allied Arts headed by LAr. Zenaida DC. Galingan; Cinema headed by Dr. Rolando B. Tolentino; Dance headed Dr. Shirley Halili-Cruz; Literary Arts headed by Dr. Julieta C. Mallari; Music headed by Dr. Felipe M. De Leon Jr.; Dramatic Arts headed by Dr. Felimon B. Blanco; and Visual Arts headed by Ms. Geraldine B. Araneta.
"The National Arts Month, being the NCCA's biggest flagship program, is an essential platform to cultivate appreciation for the arts and bring out a deep sense of respect for our cultures and traditions," Lizaso said during a virtual press conference over the week.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Pinoy-pop supergroup SB19 have also showed their support in the celebration of this year's National Arts Month which will kick off on Feb. 4
"As your arts ambassador, I am one with the NCCA in the celebration of the National Arts Month this 2022 on the theme 'Sining ng Pag-asa,' in recognition of the arts as a source and expression of hope," Gray said.
For their part, members of SB19 who were tapped as youth and Sentro Rizal ambassadors of the NCCA, urged the public to join them in supporting the commission in its efforts to promote the country's arts and culture.
The opening ceremony of the National Arts Month 2022 will be streamed via NCCA Facebook page and will showcase various performances, virtual exhibits, poem and story reading, film excerpts, among others from the seven art forms.
Meanwhile, here are some of the activities prepared by the NCCA and the SCA for National Arts Month's celebration throughout February and beyond:
• Saan KaLulugar: Creativity as the Catalyst for Recovery (Feb. 11 to March 4)
A flagship project of the National Committee on Architecture and Allied Arts which is composed of four webinar sessions that highlight conversations on the dynamic transformation of public and private spaces in the new normal.
• Cinema Rehiyon: Cinema Society in World Change (Feb. 16 to 28)
A flagship project of the National Committee on Cinema which will compose webinars and round-table discussions among regional filmmakers and showcase the best regional films produced in 2021.
• Sayaw Pinoy Goes Virtual: Dance of Hope (Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 and March 5)
The longest-running flagship project of the National Committee on Dance which aims to provide venue for established and upcoming dance groups from all over the country to interact, exchange choreographic ideas, discover more groups from the regions and provide them opportunities to showcase their works.
• 16th Tanghal National University & Community Based Theater Festival (Feb. 14 to 26)
National Committee on Dramatic Arts’ project featuring 30-minute school/university-based and collaborative performances across the country.
• Himaya: Panitikan ng Pagbabanyuhay (March 25 to 26)
A project of the National Committee on Literary Arts which is mainly composed of publication of learning material and a two-day conference. There will also be a call for papers along with a tribute to National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera, as well as Gawad Lumbera.
• Musikapuluan: Gems of Contemporary Music in the Different Genres
A project of the National Committee on Music featuring various types of music written in the last five or ten years such as choral works/a cappella groups, pop-ethnic/protest songs, classical music, traditional ensemble, vocal classical music, Philippine music theater, and large instrumental ensemble.
• Bagong Biswal 2022
A project of the National Committee on Visual Arts which will compose of five installments of 30 to 40 artists and artist groups to be given P22,000 each.
• Ani ng Dangal 2022
The Ani ng Dangal recognizes artists, cultural workers, and works that have earned international awards and accolades during the past year. Details for this year’s Ani ng Dangal will be posted soon.
Promulgated by then President Corazon Aquino in 1991, Presidential Proclamation No. 683 declares February of every year as National Arts Month to celebrate artistic excellence and pay tribute to the uniqueness and diversity of the Filipino heritage and culture.
For more information about the programs, the public can visit NCAA's social media pages where the calendar of activities will also be released by the NAM Secretariat.