ANGELES CITY -- Local artists in this city have joined hands to rehabilitate a two-decade abandoned building and turn it into a new arts hub in the heritage district.
The old CSSI building at 1246 Miranda Street is designed to be an eco-friendly contemporary arts hub that will serve as a venue for arts practitioners in Pampanga and a nesting ground to harness young potential artists in the city.
Leading the charge is John Jurado, director of Teatro Angeleno, who is on a mission to create this hub called the “Arts and Garden Museum”.
"We desire to create experiences through our works. Thus, we envision more of these productions, speaking engagements, workshops, art collaboration talks and exhibits happening here," Jurado said.
A stage production from Teatro Angeleno, "Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio" will be staged at the Arts and Garden Museum on April 1 and 2 in time for the Lenten season.
According to Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, the initiative of the local artists on the rehabilitation and transformation of the building is in line with the local government’s goal of providing venues where people can appreciate the arts and at the same time, budding artists will have a stage to hone their skills and talents – and this is manifested by the five new parks found across the city.
"There is a continuous need for community development and education in the city that are necessary for a progressive society and I applaud this coterie of local artists on their initiative," the mayor said.