“Art can transform. Art does not tell you what to do. But art can definitely connect you to your senses, body, and mind, your soul. This may spur thinking, engagement, and even action. It can generate changes. Art can make a difference.” – Iloilo Art Festival.
Art continues to flourish in the City of Love that even the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cannot spoil it.
The resiliency of the Ilonggo art community to continue showcasing their creativity has been backed and strengthened by the support of the Iloilo City Government and various stakeholders.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, as an art lover himself and with the backing of the city’s First Lady Rosalie Treñas, has been consistent in showing support to the art community as he dreams to make the city an “Art Capital of the Philippines”.
The city government tirelessly provides avenues for local artists. And one of these is the Iloilo Art Festival, which started even at the height of the pandemic in 2021.
Moreover, during the onset of the pandemic, the city has also provided a livelihood to the local artists by tapping them to turn the walls and streets in the city into vibrant Instagrammable spots through their paintings.
Treñas has earlier emphasized that art is the soul of Iloilo City; thus, it has to be supported.
“We see Iloilo City through our soul, and we have always been saying that Iloilo is the Queen City of the South. We cannot be the Queen City of the South if we do not strengthen the soul of Iloilo City. And we can only strengthen the soul of Iloilo City if we support the arts,” the city mayor said.
From the streets of the city, the talents of the Ilonggos in art extend to malls.
For two consecutive years, SM City Iloilo has served as the premium venue for the launch of the Iloilo Art Festivals. It has also opened its doors to several art exhibitions, be it by group or solo.
The art festival aims to bring art closer to the hearts of the public and provide support to local artists and their art works.
This year’s launching of the Iloilo Arts Festival at SM City Iloilo by the city government and Iloilo City Culture and Arts Council was held simultaneously with the celebration of Adlaw sang Ciudad sang Iloilo on Oct. 5.
Last month, as an initiative of the city’s First Lady, Rosalie Treñas, the Iloilo Art Pop-up Studio was born. Considered the biggest gathering of artists in Iloilo, the pop-up studio provided a venue for 180 artists from various art groups and individual artists to showcase their masterpieces.
The Iloilo Art Pop-up Studio will run until Dinagyang next year./PN
Photos by:
SM City Iloilo FB page
Festive Walk Iloilo FB page
Jerry Treñas FB
