ARTS have been giving people hope during these challenging times and with the economy easing its quarantine restrictions, artists are asking the government to reopen galleries, museums and exhibit places.
Bayani Galera, a renowned installation artist, said though many have quickly adapted to shutdowns by shifting from physical to virtual performances, it is still a different experience to see art works up close and personal.
“With everything now online, the pandemic also broke down the four walls of galleries and widened our audience. More people can appreciate art—whether it’s music, paintings, or theater,” said Galera. “There are a lot of struggles and stories born out of this pandemic, and creatives have been expressing these feelings through art.”
But with the lifting of restrictions, Galera said it is time that galleries and museums be reopened to the public. He said these event venues are familiar with the protocols as they always ask guests to register.
“They know how to control the entry of people,” he said.
Galera, whose hometown is in Bohol, said opening these venues to the public is a big boost to the industry whose paychecks are melting away due to the lockdowns. He said many are scrambling to reinvest themselves online, but it is a different experience to see art progress in the same manner as pre-Covid.
Negros Occidental-based Ginoe, a virtual arist, reinforced Galera’s sentiments and said the creative industry has the right to be assisted by the government, especially during this time.
He said that just like any other sectors, the creative industry needs funding and empowerment to thrive in the new normal.
Ginoe said the pandemic and the home isolation have unleashed the creativity of the Filipinos. He said many turned to art for comfort and hope.
Shell Philippines, over the weekend, mounted Shell Virtual Art Interact, an event that showcased the unique stories, courage and redemption of Visayan artists.
This leg of the Virtual Art Interact focusing on the Visayan region is the third of a series of virtual workshops that is in line with the 53rd National Students Art Competition (NSAC).
Breaking away from the conventional art symposia which had been put on hold by the lockdowns, Virtual Art Interact explores the various communities of artists from diverse Philippine regions, empowering them to narrate their struggles and victories through visual storytelling.
At present, the NSAC has received 1,300 entries. Its official awards ceremony is set to take place on Nov. 27. (KOC)