LIST: National Arts Month activities happening this February
February serves not only as the love month but also the Philippine National Arts Month (NAM).
The celebration began in 1991 when then-president Cory Aquino signed Presidential Proclamation 683, naming February as National Arts Month. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) took charge of its activities and events (though it was only formally established in 1992 via Republic Act 7356).
According to the NCCA website, the NAM encourages creativity, self-expression, cultural appreciation, and social cohesion through seven disciplines: architecture and the allied arts, cinema, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, and visual arts.
This year has the theme “Ani ng Sining: Diwa at Damdamin," which emphasizes that the creativity of a nation springs forth from the spirit and passion of its people.
Looking to join activities for National Arts Month? Mark your calendars for visits to these museums and events.
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
This arts month, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila launched Free Admission Tuesdays.
During this time, you have the opportunity to explore collections and exhibits including "Timeless: J. Moreno," a tribute to the legendary Jose "Pitoy" Moreno and his impact on Philippine fashion, the "M Print Collection," and the "Dream States" exhibit showcasing local and international painters and sculptors.
The M is also holding artist talks with Buen Calubayan and Rebie Ramoso, a curator talk with Dr. Capistrano-Baker on the J. Moreno exhibit, and a hands-on Printmaking Workshop by Ambie Abaño.
Ayala Museum
Throughout February, the Ayala Museum is holding activities including a scavenger hunt for kids, a tour of Fernando Zóbel's works through the years, and a Fotomoto PH special exhibit.
Gateway Gallery
At the Gateway Tower in Cubao, visitors can check out an exhibit titled "Timeless Moments: Still Life and Beginnings," which features pieces capturing everyday life using still-life objects.
The exhibit will run from Feb. 8 until Mar. 7.
Intramuros Administration
Fancy a walk through history in Manila? The Intramuros Administration is holding several activities for NAM, including "Dia de San Valentin" on Feb. 14 at the Baluarte de San Diego where you can take part in friendship bracelet making, balloon art, and on-the-spot sketching.
You can further experience the best of arts, culture, and history through Pasyal Araw sa Intramuros (until Feb. 7), Intramuros x Escolta street art fair, Cleantramuros every Sunday, and Dalaw at Sayaw at Fort Santiago.
NCCA activities
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts is holding numerous activities throughout the country this NAM. The commission is celebrating seven disciplines: architecture and the allied arts, cinema, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, and visual arts.
For architecture and the allied arts, the NCCA's 2021 program "Saan Ka Lulugar" brings a new series of talks, workshops, and tours from Feb. 22 to 25 in Digos City, Davao Del Sur.
The Cinema Rehiyon Film Festival, meanwhile, will be held on Feb. 7 in Butuan City.
In the field of dance, the NCCA will hold a series of touring dance concerts set to provide a platform to established and emerging groups as well as workshops in Batangas, Pampanga, and Metro Manila.
Tanghalang Bayan, happening on Feb. 26 at the MET, features workshops, discourse, and performances from various theater groups within the metro.
For the literary arts, a caravan called PANITIKaravan will be held at Aurallo High School along United Nations Ave. on Feb. 24.
Different workshops and performances for musical groups across the country will take place through "Musikapuluan" throughout the month.
For the visual arts, patrons in Cebu and Baler, Aurora can check out art workshops, exhibits (Sining Sinag), and townhall meetings.
In closing the NAM, there will be two events: one on Feb. 26 at MET, and another on Feb. 28 at Matina Town Square in Davao City.
