MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Asian Cultural Council pursues its mission to support artists by facilitating opportunities for creative advancement and mutual cultural understanding. Since the global pandemic began, ACC New York and its affiliate offices in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines, have gradually adapted nearly 70 percent of its grants program to hybrid or completely online versions. ACC upholds the importance of art and the impact of cultural exchange as it strategize innovative ways and virtual platforms in response to the current global situation.
The ACC Philippines, for its part, continues to work on its commitment to ensure more grants for Filipino artists through the Philippine Fellowship Program. The annual Asian Cultural Council Auction held in cooperation with the trustees of the ACC Philippines Foundation, Inc. chaired by Ernest Escaler in collaboration with Jaime Ponce de Leon and Team Leon Gallery has been a significant undertaking that seeks support from donors, collectors, and like-minded patrons in the arts. Proceeds from the benefit event help fund the program that enabled transformative avenues for creative growth and international cultural exchange to over 500 local artists to date. Art scholars and professionals from across all fields have also added to the list of ACC alumni and fellows. Some of whom have become icons and important names in our nation’s cultural heritage led by National Artists Jose Joya, Lucresia Kasilag, Jose Maceda, Alice Reyes, Ramon Santos, and Kidlat Tahimik, to name a few.
This year’s ACC Auction promises to be a momentous edition with the lineup of exquisite masterpieces bannered by Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s “Tinapa Vendors,” Vicente Manansala’s “Pila sa Bigas,” and stunning works by Cesar Legaspi, H.R. Ocampo, Manuel Ocampo, Lee Aguinaldo, Lao Lianben and the exceptional Jose John Santos III. Other pieces on spotlight are by ACC grantees– stalwarts Jose Joya and Roberto Chabet, and young outstanding artists Dex Fernandez, Winner Jumalon, Nona Garcia, and Don Salubayba.
The Asian Cultural Council Auction is set on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Leon Gallery, G/F Eurovilla 1 Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. Auction starts promptly at 2:00PM. For more event details, visit www.leon-gallery.com. To know more about ACC and its grant programs visit www.asianculturalcouncil.org
