(Text of our letter sent to all Bukal Sining Members last December, with copies of CANVAS books published in 2021)
December 2021
It’s amazing to realize how far CANVAS has come since we first introduced ourselves to the world with “Elias and His Trees” back in 2005. From that one book, CANVAS is now a viable, sustainable institution that donates tens of thousands of books to disadvantaged children each year (35,525 books in 2021, and 415,814 books since we started), on top of several thousand hardbound books that we have given to various libraries and reading rooms for shared use.
There are other indicators of CANVAS’ growth into a much stronger institution:
· From a founder-driven organization, it is now guided by an independent board whose members are some of the most respected in their respective fields;
· CANVAS just received a three-year renewal of its accreditation from the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC), earning the coveted seal for good governance and housekeeping;
· We have fifteen full-time staff, divided into teams with clear accountabilities for bookgiving, fundraising, curation, inventory management and accounting;
· We continue to engage artists and writers at a much increased pace. Fom releasing just one book each year, we published seven new books in 2021, with another ten to twelve slated for next year;
· And we are now consistently partnering with corporations such as Google, Globe, Fluor and UBS, as well as institutions like the National Museum of the Philippines that enable us to extend the reach and impact of our books and socially-relevant shows to much larger audiences.
The past two years of the pandemic have been particularly difficult and challenging for all of us, of course. Still, it should also be noted that it has given everyone – not just among ourselves, but for the country and indeed, the global community itself – a collective experience that should reinforce our shared values and common humanity.
Next year is an election year, and one that is at least as crucial as the most important ones in our history. Regardless of the outcome, it is also an opportunity to reaffirm those values, and to take a strong and clear stand on the issues that matter.
It is for this reason that CANVAS’ mission has expanded from churning out original stories and picture books that emerge from our signature storywriting competition, to conceptualizing thematic activity books that creatively engage children on the critical challenges of our times such as climate change, children’s rights and online safety and privacy.
It is with that eye on the future that we are also now embarking on a journey to finally build our children’s museum of Philippine art. As you are aware, we have identified and procured the site of this museum in Ibaan, Batangas, and starting next year, we will be commissioning 2-3 art projects for major installations on the land each year. Internationally recognized and multi-awarded artist Leeroy New has agreed to build the first installation next year, and we are talking with several other notable artists to follow suit.
The dream can therefore start with the conversion of this rolling 2-hectare piece of raw land into an open air museum. It can then become a walkable green art space that people can start to visit, setting the stage for the museum’s groundbreaking in 2025, when CANVAS will be turning twenty.
We have no doubt that CANVAS is making a difference, and will continue to play an increasingly impactful role moving forward. It is a responsibility that we take very seriously, just as it gives us great pride and fulfillment.
It also imbues us with a sense of deep gratitude and sincere humility because all these would not be possible without the belief and confidence of people such as you who have bought into and fully supported our mission and vision all these years.
Please know that we are truly and sincerely grateful.
For our children. For our country. For our future. We hope you will continue to walk with us on this adventure.
Thank you again, and Happy Holidays!