In recent years, it would seem that new mediums of art are often subject to criticisms by traditionalists of the medium. Art forms such as animation, comics, and video games are often dismissed as “low art.” They are branded as overly commercialized mediums meant only to entertain rather than produce thought-provoking commentary. Yet over the years, many artists have used each respective medium to create works that do what most traditionalists claim these mediums fail to do. 

One look at any of Alan Moore’s rich catalog of graphic novels is enough to show how powerful the medium can be. V for Vendetta and Watchmen both provide a clear look into the political uncertainties of the time, the first showing the dreaded looming threat of fascism under the guise of conservatism and the latter showing the impending threat of nuclear disaster during the Cold War era. For animation, indie films like Cartoon Saloon’s The Breadwinner give us a glimpse of the life of a young girl living in a Taliban-run Afghanistan. It tackles heavy themes and evokes plenty of emotions from the viewers as the protagonists try to live their lives.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines has seen just how effective these new mediums are in getting messages across. So much so that it has recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the CCP Animation and Comics Grant. This event celebrated the talented grantees selected last year, who are poised to embark on their visionary projects from the last quarter of this year to June 2024, concluding the last leg of CCP’s grant initiative.

Exciting narratives await comic enthusiasts, with tales including the captivating legend of Sinogo; a mythical creature inspired by a Kalinga folk epic, and a celestial drama that unfolds the enchanting cycle of night and day. On the animation front, audiences can anticipate immersive stories featuring Tungkung Langit at Laon Sina, Bernardo Carpio, and the legendary Tattooed Men.
The grant recipients, consisting of animators and comics artists, will each receive funding tailored to their craft. Animators will benefit from a grant of ₱2 million, while comics artists will be awarded ₱330,000 each. The culmination of their endeavors will be officially unveiled in July 2024.

“With the completion of funding of the last batch of grantees of the CCP, we hope they will be able to begin production so we will be ready to compete regionally in South East Asia. Last September 2023, CCP experienced firsthand the potential of our Animation, Comics, and Game Development grantees that they are able to create content that is world-class and can win international recognition for the country,” shares CCP trustee Benedict Carandang.

Leading the charge for these transformative projects are CCP president Michelle Nikki Junia, CCP vice-chair Margie Moran-Floirendo, trustees Stanley Seludo and Benedict Carandang, with invaluable support from CCP chair Jaime C. Laya.
The success of this initiative is further amplified through collaboration with key partners, including the Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines (SIKAP), the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), the Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI), and Komiket.
culturalcenter.gov.ph