The Cultural Center of the Philippines empowers the Filipino children, their families and communities through Batang Sining, a series of weekly fun and educational activities, happening from November 19 to December 8, 2021.
Following the theme “Sining para sa Kalusugan, Kumunidad, at Kalikasan,” Batang Sining invites the nation to create safe and nurturing spaces for children, families and communities as they respond to health, social and environmental needs at present.
This year, the CCP Arts Education partnered with Black Canvas to reimagine arts education through online workshops, streamings, conversations and safely conducted in-person events supporting the holistic growth of Filipino children to explore creative expression, promote social awareness, and develop empathy to become more mindful, resilient and empowered beings of the future.
Under the direction of Abner Delina Jr., with the guidance of Arts Education Department, Audience Development Division, Batang Sining takes an ecological approach in empowering the Filipino children and reconnecting to the world through arts and culture.
Part of CCP’s program for children, Batang Sining was originally conceptualized by the late Rene Villanueva and Hermie Beltran in 1989 as a workshop primarily focused on introducing the child to the different art forms and discovering for themselves their own creative expressions.
Dr. Luis Gatmaitan, Amihian Bonifacio-Ramolete, Vim Nadera, Edna Mae Landicho, Frank Rivera, Buddy Ching, Eric Rosales, Posh Develos, Magel Cadapan, Edilberto Cruz, are some of the artists who have joined Batang Sining as resource persons.
Through the years, Batang Sining evolved from offering children’s summer art workshop to arts strategies for healing and arts education training for primary and secondary school students.
In the next three weeks, Batang Sining offers exciting activities that will expose and provide students with hands-on experiences on various art forms, help deepen their understanding and appreciation of Philippine arts and culture, while providing them with opportunities to engage in creative expressions.
Batang Sining also involves parents/families, teachers, communities and other stakeholders through asynchronous campaigns and/or competitions such as family photography, and family dance moves, among others to be uploaded online with prizes for the outstanding entries.
As we continue to face the challenges brought by the pandemic and climate emergency, Batang Sining hopes to teach children about empathy and community spirit through in-person art activities, donation drives, community pantries. Children helping children by sharing, extending support and helping their friends.
