Advocacy

The arts exist not only for social, cultural or entertainment value. They also have major impact on the economy and education and serve as a primary way for communities to preserve and celebrate our culture and heritage. We must strive to keep the arts strong and vibrant, and because of the current economic downturn, community support is more important now than ever. 

Engaging the younger generation in strengthening and empowering our visual art

Philippine visual art is a vibrant and diverse field that has evolved over the years. It is of paramount importance to engage and empower the younger generation in preserving, promoting, and advancing Philippine visual art. This essay examines some of the ways that the younger generation in the Philippines can be engaged and empowered to strengthen the country's visual art.

One way to engage younger generations in the Philippine visual art is to introduce them to this field through various educational platforms. Schools, art galleries, and museums are all essential institutions that can play a crucial role in nurturing the younger generation's creativity and appreciation of art. Art classes can be introduced in schools that focus on the different forms of Philippine visual arts such as painting, sculpture, performance art, and digital media. This will provide students with an opportunity to explore and develop their artistic skills while learning about the history and culture of the Philippines.

Another way to engage younger generations in Philippine visual art is to create a community that supports and promotes artists. This can be done through art exhibitions, art festivals, and other events that showcase the work of emerging and established artists. These events should be accessible to the general public and held in various parts of the country. In this way, the general public can have the opportunity to view and appreciate different forms of Philippine visual art, which in turn can encourage emerging artists to continue pursuing their passion.

Furthermore, digital technology can also play a significant role in engaging and empowering younger generations in Philippine visual art. Social media platforms can be used to promote and share the works of local artists, providing them with a wide-reaching audience. Online galleries and virtual exhibitions can also be created, providing convenient access to Philippine visual art for people living in remote areas.

Finally, another way to empower the younger generation in Philippine visual art is to provide them with professional development opportunities. This can be through artist residency programs, internships, and art competitions that provide valuable experiences and exposure. By providing such opportunities, the younger generation can develop the necessary skills and knowledge required to succeed in the field of visual arts.

In conclusion, engaging and empowering younger generations in Philippine visual art is critical to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of this field. By introducing visual art education, creating supportive communities, using technology to promote Philippine visual art, and providing professional development opportunities, the younger generation can contribute to the growth and evolution of this field. With a concerted effort, younger generations can become the driving force behind the continued sustenance and advancement of Philippine visual art.

-Therese Brillantes