BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
ILOILO City – A landmark agreement was signed at city hall yesterday, paving the way for an exhibition of artworks by renowned Filipino masters at the University of the Philippines – Visayas (UPV).
The collaboration involves UPV, the Lopez Group Foundation Inc., and the Iloilo City Government.
The exhibition, scheduled to run from June 2024 to May 2026, will showcase the works of Juan Luna, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, and Fernando Amorsolo. These pieces will be on loan from the Lopez Museum and Library and will be displayed at the UPV Museum of Art and Culture Heritage.
The agreement was signed by UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano; Mercedes Lopez Vargas, president of the Lopez Group Foundation Inc.; and Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The art exhibition aims to enrich the cultural landscape of Western Visayas by offering residents and visitors alike the chance to experience these pivotal works firsthand.
Dr. Patrick Flores, a professor from UP Diliman, will serve as the chief curator.
This marks the first time that the Lopez Museum and Library’s collection will be accessible to the public outside of Metro Manila.
The UPV Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage is rapidly becoming a key center for those interested in exploring the art and culture of Western Visayas through its seven galleries.
The UPV Office of Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, under the guidance of Prof. Martin Genodepa, will manage the program and develop educational modules to complement the exhibitions.
This initiative, originally proposed by former senator Franklin Drilon and supported by Narzalina Lim, former Department of Tourism secretary, has received funding through the General Appropriations Act of 2024 thru to the efforts of Sen. Loren Legarda./PN
