A BIG Iloilo Arts Festival is set to take centerstage in October 2022 to showcase the metropolis as an art capital.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas strongly pushed for the promotion of arts awareness and appreciation to the public and also to add attractions for visitors to experience during their stay here.

Through an Executive Order, he has created the Iloilo City Local Culture and Arts Council (ICLCAC) and its Committee on Cultural Heritage Conservation to spearhead year-long programs, projects and events.

The initiative is a collaboration of City Government, national government agencies, artist groups, academe, and private sector partners.

The mayor met members of the council Wednesday July 20 to start conceptualizing and preparing the proposed calendar of events throughout the year with a grand celebration of various arts to be highlighted in October.

These will cover arts including cinema, dramatic, literary, visual, dance, music, and architecture.

Initial plans include film-making and showing of locally-produced short films in newly-renovated plazas, murals restoration, art education, book launching, poetry reading, bike tours, photo contests, design competitions, exhibits, cultural mapping, concerts, performances, lecture workshops, symposiums and awards, among others.

The annual arts and cultural heritage plan aims to develop and sustain local talents and preserve the rich Ilonggo traditions for people to enjoy. (PR)