Welcome to (Insert Place Here), The Center of Arts
and Culture
Marc Valenciano
They say talk is cheap, maybe
that’s why it’s easy to claim and proclaim. Claiming something is alright,
proclaiming it is alright, but it all go does to, how much are you willing to
prove it?
What really gets my
attention is when a place claims and proclaims that it is a Center of Arts and
Culture. I’m like “WOW! Really?! How?” The usual evidences are either having
National or International Activities held in their town. Or having a project
with an Artist or Artists, who are known nationwide. Another is being recognize
by a Cultural-Award giving body, because of the local government unit or LGU’s
efforts in conducting activities related to Arts and Culture.
But if we will stick with
those evidences, as the usual qualifications, only the so called “Imperial
Manila” would surface as the Center of Arts and Culture, since the Cultural
Center of the Philippines is located there, as well as the central office of
the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Not to mention that Manila
hosts not only national cultural events, but as well as International ones.
What is more baffling is
that, if a place is the Center of Arts and Culture, why would its local artists
join in an exhibit in Baguio or Manila just to make a name for themselves?
Given the fact that their place is the Center of Arts and Culture already?
