APRIL TO JUNE 2023

BOOKGIVING AND BOOK
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

Year to date, from January to June 2023, we have given away 17,033 books. Another 2,500 books are already earmarked and awaiting pick-up for distribution to children everywhere. And there are a little over 18,000 copies of various other CANVAS titles that we already have on hand. We are now identifying partners and beneficiaries so that these can be in the hands of children this coming quarter.

And on top of those, 4,000 reprinted copies each of two of our most popular activity books: BenCab’s Activity Book for Children and Safe Space: A Kid’s Guide to Data Privacy courtesy of generous funding from Globe Telecom, have recently been delivered to us.

That’s still a lot of books! So if you wish to help us give them away to communities or schools that you may be sponsoring or are aware of, please do let us know.


On the book development front, we’ve had two new contest winners of our flagship Romeo Forbes Children’s Story Writing Competition so far in 2023. With one or possibly even two more competitions later this year, we’re in good shape to keep producing new and compelling books centered around great stories and art in the coming years!

MUSEUM UPDATE

Things have been moving forward well since we broke ground for the Museum last January. The picture above shows the state of construction as of this June (that’s me on top!). The skeleton of the structure is nearly done.

The next step now is for Leeroy New to clad it in glass and cement. We’re also figuring out if and how we’re going to incorporate solar panels onto the gallery sculpture.

If things progress as expected, we hope to have it ready for a soft launch in November 2023 in time for our annual Outdoor Banner show at the site. More than 80 artists have already confirmed their participation in the show, which will revolve around the theme of “More in Common.”

From there, we hope to then formally open the land, even intermittently, to the public starting February 2024, just in time for the first “If Trees Could Talk” Art Biennale (see below).

Before that however, we plan to organize a special visit to the site, just for you, Bukal Sining members, perhaps sometime this August. We will keep you posted. :)

IF TREES COULD TALK ART BIENNALE

Even as we're building the museum, we are planning several events at the site itself to activate the land and to build awareness and support. 

One of our major events will be an international art biennale focused on the environment. Dubbed the  "If Trees Could Talk" Art Biennale, the inaugural event will take place at the site of Tumba-Tumba in the town of Ibaan, Batangas, which will serve as the backdrop and inspiration for the artworks and outdoor installations.

"If Trees Could Talk," will explore the relationship between humans and nature through contemporary art, and will bring together local and international artists to explore the significance of trees, address environmental issues, and promote sustainable development through art.

The event will showcase select local artists including Elmer Borlongan, Geraldine Javier, Pam Yan Santos, John Santos, Mark Salvatus, Cian Dayrit, Don Bryan Bunag and Leeroy New. Participation from artists and curators from Germany (through the Anoha Children’s Museum) has been confirmed. We are also working to secure similar representation from Japan (in talks with the Japan Foundation), and Southeast Asia (in talks with Asia Society). The diversity of participants will contribute to the rich exchange of artistic ideas and perspectives.

The central theme of the Biennale revolves around the importance of trees and their relationship to the environment. Artists will be encouraged to respond to the site, using their creative expressions to highlight environmental issues, including climate change, and inspire reflection and dialogue.

Participating artists will be invited to create major installations that captivate and engage visitors, particularly children. The biennale encourages the use of upcycled and found materials to demonstrate and promote sustainable practices and artistic innovation.

The "If Trees Could Talk" Biennale will run from February to May 2024, allowing ample time for visitors to experience and immerse themselves in the diverse range of artworks and activities. Throughout the duration of the Biennale, a series of special events will be organized to enrich the visitor experience. These events include artist talks, special tours, pop-up food events, bookgiving events, and tree planting activities. CANVAS will also organize interactive activities specifically tailored for children from the surrounding communities, fostering creativity and environmental awareness among the younger generation.

Finally, it just occurred to me that most of you have never met CANVAS’ Board. As mentioned, we’ll be organizing special events just for you, Bukal Sining Members, and we’re hoping to introduce our Board to you as well face to face. In the meantime, in case you were curious, here are the Members of our Board of Trustees. :)

We have much more in store for the rest of the year (and beyond). For what’s coming in the next three months, click here. See you all very soon!