By Randy T. Nobleza, Ph.D.
Taft, Manila – The Association of Cultural Offices in Philippine Education Institutions Inc. (ACOPEI) conducted Chikang Sining, a workshop series for artist-educators in various schools in the country through onsite and online mode.
During the first day, which was held at the Artist Commons at the De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila and via zoom, a two-part session was given by the founding president of ACOPEI and former culture and arts office director Dr. Glorife Samodio. The ACOPEI president Martin Lopez got to know the online and onsite participants within his opening remarks and introductory message on Chikang Sining. While the ACOPEI vice president Jess Montajes introduced the workshop facilitator and resource person. Then the ACOPEI secretary Larissa Nodalo served as host and moderator for the discussion for zoom and onsite participants.
Then the second day was divided into two sessions, the morning session is exclusively through zoom about emotional culture and leadership given by Ms Mary Loh, founder of LYF and the afternoon session is onsite about safe spaces for artists provided by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) safe spaces handbook consultant Atty Judie Dimayuga and Dr. Consuelo Zapata, the chief culture and arts officer.
Some of the in-person participants who attended at the artist commons are from College of St. Benilde, National University, Adamson University, Far Eastern University, Ateneo de Davao University Immaculte Conception College in Davao, Nueva Viscaya State University and Marinduque State University. Some of the online participants are from University of Santo Tomas, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina and other private higher education institutions with state universities and colleges.