ART TOURISM. The BAtangueñong Grupo sa SIning at Kultura (Bagsik) is holding a “Pistahang Bayan” exhibit from April 21-27, 2024 spotlighting the town fiesta vibe. Group president Remo Valenton uses scrap materials in this artwork titled “Banderitas.” (Photo courtesy of Remo Valenton)
BAUAN, Batangas – The municipality here is collaborating with local artists to add art tourism to this town’s list of attractions.
The need to diversify Bauan’s tourism offerings has taken on greater urgency in view of an ongoing heat wave which may cause a short-term decline in people visiting its beaches, town council secretary Noel Bautista said in an interview on Thursday.
He said the town will stage the 23rd Sublian Festival next month, with two art exhibits – one ongoing, one slated in May – lined up as part of the celebration to create the perfect opportunity to launch its pool of artists to the broader market.
He said the cooperation between the local government and artists here aligns with efforts to brand the town as an artists’ hub in Batangas.
“We are encouraging everyone to see the works of our artists. We are also looking to develop the potential of our locals through the exhibits that we conduct yearly,” Bautista told the Philippine News Agency.
He said next month's art exhibit will feature the artworks of some 40 local artists, with the theme “We are One upang Pagyamanin at Paunlarin ang Kinagisnang Kultura ng Bayan ng Bauan para sa Kinabukasan (We are one to enrich and develop Bauan’s culture for the future).”
Participants of the event include various art groups such as Art’e Bauan, Art’e Likha, BAtangueñong Grupo sa SIning at Kultura (Bagsik), among others.
The Sublian Festival is traditionally held every first week of May to revive the centuries-old tradition of “Subli,” an indigenous Bauan dance.
Bautista said students are becoming more interested in engaging in various fields of art.
Meanwhile, Bagsik president Remo Valenton said the active role of various art groups help preserve the cultural identity of Batangas and uplift the local economy.
Bagsik, the oldest art group in the province, is holding the ongoing exhibit titled “Pistahang Bayan” to feature the culture of town fiesta celebrations around the province.
Valenton said a free art workshop on charcoal portraiture and canvass making will be held in May to spark an interest among aspiring artists.
He said the rising number of members and formation of new local art groups are indications of the active role of artists across different fields.
“I hope we can continue to give our local artists the opportunity to express their art in different places such as schools, museums, and malls. Let us pay attention to them because they give strength to the culture of every Filipino,” he said.
Eric Punzalan, a visual art instructor, will represent Bagsik in the first Filipino art exhibit in Morocco on May 5-15 to celebrate good relations between both countries.
He said the proceeds of the exhibit will benefit the earthquake victims in Morocco.
Punzalan is hopeful this will be the best time to elevate art appreciation not only in galleries but also in public spaces.
“When they go to exhibits, their perspective broadens. Art is part of our daily lives. Everything we see around us, there is an artist who made it, so art is included in all aspects of our lives,” he said.
He said the partnership with LGUs in art exhibits is very crucial to the success of their campaign in preserving local culture and arts.
Punzalan, who is also the founding president of Angeli Artists Guild, gives high regard to the dedication of the artists in Batangas to ensure an active role of art especially in the tourism sector.
Art tourism is a marvelous discovery of the province’s cultural heritage aside from the pristine beaches, he said. (PNA)
