Asia Society Philippines brings global arts and museum leaders to Manila

For the first time, the Asia Society Arts & Museum Summit comes to the Philippines. It will be held on Nov. 6 at the Areté in Ateneo de Manila University and on Nov. 7 at the Ayala Museum.

Previously held in New York and Hong Kong, the 2017 edition will bring to Manila leading international arts professionals from the Asia Pacific region and beyond. More than 20 speakers from 13 countries will be sharing insights into audience engagement at cultural institutions through community and educational programming, as well as the outreach strategies to build these audiences. Established globally in 1956 by John D. Rockefeller III and in the Philippines in 1999 by Washington SyCip, Asia Society seeks to improve greater people-to-people understanding and respect between Asia and the West. Through its programs in public policy, business and arts and culture, Asia Society Philippines aims to make a meaningful contribution in the work towards a more united, peaceful and progressive world.

“We are thrilled to bring to the country leaders of internationally-renowned institutions across the globe,” shares Suyin Lee, executive director of Asia Society Philippines. “Asia Society supports the arts and arts education as one of our main pillars. This summit is a reflection of that. We are excited at this unique opportunity for Filipino museum professionals, cultural workers and supporters of the arts to learn and dialogue with these professionals.”

Organized by two Asia Society Centers — the Philippines and New York, and the Asia Society Museum — the 2017 summit takes on the theme “Cultivating an Arts Community in the 21st Century.”

Audience engagement and community building have become the next phase of growth for arts organizations in Asia following decades of investment in infrastructure. Driven by shifting government policy, growing private wealth, a thriving art market and emerging new technologies, Asia has experienced an exponential growth in the cultural sector. Cities once known for finance, business and industry now compete for the coveted status of cultural destination.

In stark contrast to the flourishing of international and regional art fairs and biennials, a grass-root movement has been underway in the past few decades to rebuild local identities, provide practical training for artists and arts professionals, and promote public awareness and international recognition of regional culture.

For established arts organizations, the challenge lies in sustaining existing audiences and attracting younger, more diverse visitorship, while striking a fine balance between crowd-pleasing, social media-oriented programming and scholarly, educational content. Moreover, digital technology has increased access to institutional programming and content and changed the ways in which visitors expect to experience art. This shift also affects how exhibitions can be designed and how information is disseminated to the public.

Meant for art enthusiasts at any level, the 2017 Arts & Museum Summit will bring together the leading minds in the field to explore how institutions can attract and sustain audiences.

Some of the 21 speakers from 13 different countries include Jack Persekian, co-director of the Al Ma’mal Foundation in Jerusalem; Melati Suryodarmo, artist and the artistic director of the Jakarta Biennial; Kennie Ting, director of the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore; and Mikala Tai, director of the 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art in Sydney.

For inquiries, call Patty Coronel at 550-2612 or email pcoronel@asiasociety.org.

Local speakers include Mary Jane Louise A. Bolunia, chief archaeologist of the National Museum of the Philippines; and Norberto Roldan, co-founder of Green Papaya Projects in Manila.

“Manila alone has a host of museums and galleries offering diverse exhibits —professionals from these industries will be well-served to learn from their international peers and also share insights and experiences from a Southeast Asian country, especially since previous editions of this summit have only taken place in New York and Hong Kong,” Lee shares.

Admission fees are at P7,500 for non-members; P5,000 for senior citizens and students; and P3,500 for Asia Society members.

Scholarships are also available for museum professionals, cultural workers, non-Metro Manila residents and members of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines. For inquiries, email Ralph Manuel at pm2.asiasociety@gmail.com to avail.

The 2017 Arts & Museum Summit is organized by Asia Society Philippines, Asia Society New York and the Asia Society Museum.

It is hosted by Ayala Museum and Areté, and in collaboration with the Ateneo Art Gallery and the Museum Foundation of the Philippines.

For inquiries, call Yeng Rarugal 810-8983 or email MRarugal@asiasociety.org.