For the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP), the dream of having a permanent home was a vision nurtured for 75 long years. Founded by Purita Kalaw Ledesma in 1948, AAP began as a social group with a mission to support and elevate the Filipino art scene.
Over the years, it grew into the largest and oldest umbrella organization for artists in the Philippines, boasting a membership of 12,000 individuals, including national artists and international luminaries like Vicente Manansala, Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, Jerry Navarro, Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz, Botong Francisco, and the living legend BenCab.
But despite its illustrious history and the significant role it played in shaping the Filipino art landscape, AAP remained homeless for the better part of its existence. That was until recently when a group of dedicated officers, led by master visual artist Fidel Sarmiento, decided to make the dream of a permanent home for AAP a reality.
A 75-Year Journey
AAP’s journey began as a social group, but the dream of having a dedicated space for artists was always at the core of its mission. The idea was to create not just an office or a gallery but an all-encompassing educational center where artists could thrive and evolve.
The dream of a permanent home for AAP was not just about owning a piece of property; it was about creating a sanctuary for artists, a place where creativity could flourish unencumbered. It was about having a space that would also serve as a base of operations for the organization, an office, a gallery to showcase notable works, and an educational center all in one.
Realizing the dream of AAP’s Tahanan ng Sining required a formidable financial effort. The AAP officers, alongside a vast network of artists and friends, undertook a massive fundraising campaign to gather the necessary funds. Their determination was unwavering as they orchestrated various events and initiatives to generate financial support. Artists generously donated their works for a one-night auction in December 2019, where the AAP raised an impressive 4.5 million pesos.
The AAP team scoured Metro Manila and beyond, seeking opportunities and partnerships to secure funds. These efforts included exhibits at premier venues like The Podium and Aura, orchestrated in collaboration with SM, yielding close to a million pesos. Students from Sunshine Place in Jupiter, Makati, where Fidel Sarmiento imparts his painting expertise, also stepped up, contributing both in cash and kind. Pro bono work and in-kind donations from dedicated individuals, contractors, engineers, and artists further fueled this ambitious undertaking.
Despite the financial hurdles, the determination to give AAP a permanent home remained steadfast, epitomizing the spirit of unity and resilience within the Filipino art community.
The Inauguration of the AAP Tahanan ng Sining
The culmination of years of hard work and dedication came to fruition with the inauguration of the AAP Tahanan ng Sining. This impressive two-story structure, located on a 200-square-meter lot in Silang, Cavite, in Metro Tagaytay, is more than just bricks and mortar. It represents the resilience and unwavering commitment of AAP to the Filipino art community.
AAP’s new home is not merely a physical space; it is a manifestation of a dream and a promise of what’s to come. It aspires to serve as a central office for artists from all corners of the Philippines, bridging the gap between Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It is a gallery where artists can exhibit their works, especially those from outside Metro Manila, who may not have the resources to secure exhibition spaces. Furthermore, it is an educational center where high school students can participate in regular workshops, nurturing the next generation of Filipino artists.
The journey of AAP towards realizing its dream of a permanent home has been long and challenging, but it stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Filipino artists. With AAP’s Tahanan ng Sining, AAP now has a place to call its own, a sanctuary where creativity can flourish, and where the legacy of Filipino art can continue to grow.
As the AAP Tahanan ng Sining opens its doors to artists and art enthusiasts alike, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the rich history of the Art Association of the Philippines. It is a chapter filled with promise, where the dreams of the past meet the possibilities of the future.
The AAP Tahanan ng Sining is located at Lot 4, Purok 5, San Isidro Labrador Residences, Barangay Ulat, Metro Tagaytay, Silang Cavite.
Know more about the Art Association of the Philippines and its initiatives by joining its Facebook Group.
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