04 August 2016 — In a bid to further build creative bridges between the Philippines and Malaysia, ArtDialogo 2016 art exhibit opened on August 02 at the Malaysia Tourist Information Centre (MaTIC) Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.
Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya was the guest of honor during the opening ceremonies.
“Today’s event is significant, as it is not a visit by one side’s artists to the other country, but a true exchange and collaboration among artists of the two countries. This afternoon’s art exhibit opening reaffirms the central role of culture and the arts in bringing countries and peoples together. The Philippines and Malaysia have enjoyed a deep and longstanding partnership, highlighted by a productive political collaboration and vibrant two-way economic engagements. This partnership is strongest when built on the foundations of a robust cultural exchange and people-to-people ties,” he said in his opening remarks.
The event was attended by Tourism Malaysia Director General Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, MaTIC Director Zain Azrai Rashid, Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO) Executive Director Shaharuddin Saaid, ArtDialogo 2016-Philippines chairperson and Nemiranda ArtHouse head Nemesio Miranda, ArtDialogo 2016-Malaysia chairperson and PeRUPA Malaysia’s Abu Zaki Hadri, and members of the diplomatic corps, the Malaysian art community and members of the Filipino community.
ArtDialogo 2016 is an initiative, platform and budding organization which aims to promote culture and tourism through the arts. It aims to promote artists from the Philippines and Malaysia, and professionalize the pursuits of artists in creating creative bridges around the world, as well as to highlight the contributions of the participating artists in molding the creative industry in their respective countries and communities. The initiative was conceptualized by Messrs. Miranda and Abu Zaki, together with Filipina artist Karina Jardin.
Activities under ArtDialogo include art exhibitions, community development through the arts interaction with local schools in Malaysia and Philippines, sharing of best practices, art forum, and art management on an international scale. Nemiranda Arthouse in the Philippines and PeRUPA Malaysia are the institutions to implement this initiative in the two countries.
It also involves the exchange of artists from both countries. PeRUPA Malaysia hosted the Filipino artists from July 29 to August 04, where they were treated to art treks in Kuala Lumpur and Perak, art interactions and conducted art clinics to students. The Embassy hosted them for a welcome dinner last August 01. Nemiranda Arthouse will host the Malaysian artists from November 19 to 25.
The other participating Filipino artists include Saudi Ahmad, Glenn Blanco, Rodolfo Alcantara Jr., Khristina Manansala, Mike Melchior, Nimrod Marcelo, Aaron Bautista, Roy Espinosa, Pancho Piano, Albert Magsumbol, and Augusto Santiago, Jr.
Meanwhile, the other Malaysian artists include Azman Nor, Cheng Peng Sia, Ngdawiah Ismail, Syuq Tone, Halim Abang Drashid, Kay Loo, Zarina Abdullah, Rah Jabbar, Khalid Othman, Irwan Idris, Ismail Allas, Hisham Salmin, Dato’ Lothfi Ibrahim, Munif Muhammad Nor, and Aris Aziz.
The series of activities are also made possible by its partnership with the Embassy, the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism and Culture, MaTIC, MOHA, Rotary Club of Bandar Utama, The Rotary Club of Sri Petaling and Perak Tourism Board.
The exhibit is ongoing at MaTIC Art Gallery along Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur until August 04. END
