A NEW platform has emerged for local artists.
An online exhibition launched by the Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective, Inc. (BACCI) and Council for Baguio Creative City (CBCC) is now dubbed as the “Binadang Di Kordilyera On-Line Exhibit,” featuring works of local artists and artisans.
BACCI president Adelaida Lim said “This Covid 19 pandemic is a game changer that gravely impacts everyone, but specially the stakeholders of the creative sector. As in all crises, this can be a moment of opportunity or defeat.”
Executive Director of the BACCI said participating artists for the initial launch are Oliver Olivete, Patrick Palasi, Jo-Anne Bray Siadto, Santos Lamsis, Rene Auitania, Norman Olegario, Januen. Bnd, Gretta Apolinar, Bumbo Villanueva, Tara Natividad, Sirk Deuda, Edmund Andrada, Juan Elani Tula, Edwin Macadaeg, Sensi Garcia, Jayson Duclan, Venazir Martunez, Busacay and Jordan Mang-Osan who are displaying their art for buyers to purchase in a digital platform.
Lim said “The Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective launches Binandang, an on-line art exhibit as a digital platform to enable artists to reach their audiences and to weather the current financial down trend. This is our response to the pandemic that the whole of humanity faces today.”
The on-line exhibit of arts and crafts aims to continuously promote the impeccable artistry and craftsmanship of Baguio’s creative community and assist in creating immediate opportunities and venues through the utilization of digital technology.
Over 600 creatives comprise the city creative sector and is now part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network but with the worldwide pandemic has suffered losses pegged with over P1.4 billion estimated in the tourism and creative sector.
Online exhibit and auctions have been presented as the alternative which may prove to be the new mode for the creatives. Online performances have also been broached to give performers an avenue to show case talent and give opportunity to earn for the performing sector.
Sale of the works will be directly benefit participating artists and artisans with a part of proceeds to go to the CBCC’s continuing ‘Good Acts’ project which had initially released care packs to artists, artisans, and cultural workers.
‘Binadang Di Kordilyera’ translates to “Bayanihan of the Cordillera” and is a creative effort to inspire, unify, and help the community in the midst of uncertainty brought about by the COVID19 pandemic.
The exhibit runs from May 11 until June 11, 2020. (Maria Elena Catajan)