CCP renews regional artists partnerships, adds seven more to KSS program list

“FLOURISHING vibrancy in arts and culture around the Philippines,” said Carmencita Bernardo, department manager for the Cultural Exchange Department of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) when asked about the aims of its Kaisa Sa Sining (KSS) program.

The KSS program creates partnerships between the CCP and Regional Art Centers (RACs) spread out around the country. Perks of the partnership include, according to Ms. Bernardo, “Any one of them can use any of the theaters for free at least once a year. Same with our technical equipment; we have a lights and sounds system that we tour around. They can avail of that for free as well.”

Other perks include complementary tickets for CCP produced shows, access to resource materials, and free guided tours of the CCP for a delegation from the region. They may also ask for consultancy advice with concerns pertaining to arts and culture projects.

The project began in 2014, with new institutions added the year after. On Feb. 3, the first batch of institutions renewed their memoranda of understanding, while seven new institutions were added to the list. Beginning this year, new institutions will only be added to the list every three years. “Next year, we’re not signing anything,” said Ms. Bernardo. Asked why these institutions were chosen, she said: “Many of them, 99% of them, we’ve worked with them for 10, 20, 30 years; on and off, either as hosts, or co-presenters of any project.

“We invite them, and for as long as they have the resources and facilities and the willingness to really partner with us; they’re welcome.”

The renewed partners are: the Heritage City of Vigan; St. Louis University; the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc.; Batangas City; Diverse Initiatives for Bicolano Arts, Inc.; Capiz Province; the Negros Cultural Foundation; the Central Philippine University; Holy Name University; the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation, Inc.; Silliman University; Calbayog City; La Salle University, Ozamiz City; MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology; the Consortium of Private Universities in Cagayan de Oro City; Musiakahan sa Tagum Foundation, Inc.; City of Koronadal; and, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, General Santos City

The new partners are: the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Angeles City, Pampanga; Casa San Miguel Foundation; the Municipality of Sampaloc, Quezon Province; the Sorsogon Community- Based Theater Guild; Leyte Normal University; Northwestern Visayas College; Dumendingan Arts Guild; and, Ateneo de Davao High School. —