TARLAC Governor Susan Yap has underscored the importance of promoting the arts, which she said brings people together.
Yap said this as the provincial government launched its first art fair at the Diwa ng Kanlahi convention center in Tarlac City.
Artworks of local artists on different fields are showcased in the art fair, which will run from October 1 to November 13, 2021.
This art fair is an offshoot of Tarlac's national painting contest in line with the province's Kanlahi Festival.
The Kanlahi Festival is aimed to establish the identity of Tarlac and showcase all the beautiful things about the province including the people, products and tourist destinations.
The Tarlac Art Fair is exclusive for Tarlac artists, Yap said.
"As an advocate in the arts and culture, I've always promoted and even sparked the revival of arts and culture in the province. I believe napakahalaga nito (it is very important) because it brings us together, it harnesses unity and identity as a people," the governor said.
The arts give an avenue for people especially the youth to expressed their creativity, Yap said.
During this Covid-19 pandemic where many people are bored staying at home, this is the right time to channel
their energy into something very creative, according to the governor.
"Who knows, we might discover someone who is really talented in the arts. Kaya we give a venue and avenue for
our artists na ipakita ang kanilang talents," Yap said.
"So I hope that everyone comes and joins us to participate. We have 100 artists joining -- painters, artists,
sculptors, photographers kasama na rin po ang mga community artisans and crafters natin. Lahat po yan ay mga
kababayan nating Tarlaqueno," she added.
The Tarlac Art Fair is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday.
Only 20 persons every 30 minutes will be allowed inside the gallery as part of the health protocols.