Step into an art-filled The Ruins in Poblacion, Makati as it showcases an art residency program by international artists running from October to November this year. Marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines, “Ugnayan sa Poblacion,” is a two-month art residency program by artists from France that aims to bring together communities by harnessing creativity and making art accessible among the less-privileged sectors of society.
The program is organized and presented by a team of artists from Taverne Gutenberg, an art center based in France founded by French-Filipina designer Maia d’Aboville and her husband French artist Henry Lamy. The group that is currently in the country is composed of 4 Lyon-based international artists including Henry Lamy himself, Chufy from Switzerland, Abdoul Seck from Senegal, and Alexandre Beretta from France/Ireland who will all be interacting with many organizations and the public in several art spaces to promote the arts and provide a venue to think, perform, and create together.
The core of the program are the free art workshops to be done with over 200 street children from various NGOs including Virlanie, Project Pearls, Stairway Foundation, ACAY, and more in the hopes of inspiring these children through creativity and the arts.
Z Hostel, now a landmark in Poblacion, Makati and a proud major sponsor of the program, is providing free accommodation for the artists as well as the art space in The Ruins (just a few steps away from the hostel) where the artists can be found creating art pieces and are open to interact, showcase their creative process, and co-create with anyone interested (except for days of exhibits and tours in other parts of the city and country). Get in and feel free to soak in the artists works or even paint murals yourself! Schedules of the other events, programs, and exhibits can be found here: http://www.taverne-gutenberg.com/international-residency/
This entire art residency program will be captured through a documentary by French photographer Lionel Rault and film director Simon Dubreucq in collaboration with Filipino media company Sine de Oro.