Visual artists from Central Luzon as well as art enthusiasts from different parts of Bulacan gathered in a remarkable celebration of art with the recent opening of the 12th Pulilan Mandala Art Festival at SM in this town.
The event, which has been spearheaded by the JEFARCA Arts and Historical Society Inc. with the support of the Local Government of Pulilan, the Bulacan Provincial Government, and the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in partnership with SM Center Pulilan, signals the culmination of Mandala Art Festival’s 12 remarkable years since its inception in 2012. It highlights the relevance of art as a medium in the preservation of cultural identity and empowerment for future generations of artists through the presentation of ‘Kalye Art Murals’, art exhibitions, cultural performances, and series of lectures, among others.
To ignite the celebration in SM Center Pulilan, an art exhibit with the theme “Ang Ating Sining sa Nagbabagong Panahon” puts the spotlight on the exceptional creations of 95 visual artists from different parts of Central Luzon while paying homage to the late Mandala artists such as Reuben Cañete, Jose Alberto “Joey” Tañedo, Leonilo “Neil” Doloricon, Egai Talusan Fernandez, and Alexander L. Quizon.
Among the notable guests were National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario, DOT Region III Director Dr. Richard G. Daenos, Bulacan PHACTO Head Dr. Eliseo Dela Cruz, together with Pulilan Mayor Maritz Ochoa-Montejo and SM AVP for Operations Ana Datu.
On this rare occasion, art lovers and enthusiasts also had the chance to immerse themselves in a series of art lectures held at the Mall Atrium, facilitated by multi-media visual artist Prof. Toym Imao, as well as NCCA Executive Director Dr. Eric Zerrudo and NCCA-NCVA Chairman Dr. Dennis Montera.
“We, at SM, are honored to be a part of the Mandala Art Festival’s historic culmination,” says AVP for Mall Operations Ana Datu. “Realizing the importance of art in the community, we are glad to partner with the incredible team behind the Mandala Art Festival in showcasing the work of these incredible artists while inspiring visitors to rediscover the world of art, its regeneration, and the impact it brings to society,” Datu added.
As shared by Pulilan Mandala Art Festival Director Andrew Alto De Guzman, part of the proceeds of the art exhibit will be dedicated to the publishing of a commemorative book entitled “Katuparan” that will serve as a testament to the 12 years of creativity, innovation, and community spirit that have defined the Mandala Art Festival. The art exhibit will run until May 28 at SM Center Pulilan.
