College of Arts and Sciences

UP Manila’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) played host to the opening of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) Capacity Building for Performing Artists last July 11, 2024 at the UP Manila Theater.

This year’s edition, titled Navigate the Touring Circuit, aims to equip performing arts organizations with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the global performing arts market. The opening program highlighted two talks. Dennis Marasigan, Vice President and Artistic Director of CCP, explored “The Creative Industries and Global Market.” Vanini Belarmino, Founder and Managing Director of Belarmino and Partners centered her points on the topic “Charting Alternative Paths: The Future of Performance.” These discourses underline how performing arts through mobilizing networking can effectively be expanded in the local scene and on the global stage.

Meanwhile, Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher “Toff” De Venecia, who was also present at the event, spoke about Republic Act No. 11904 or the “Philippine Creative Industries Development Act,” which seeks the promotion and development of creative industries in the country.

Students and performing artists nationwide attended the onsite and online opening program. Incoming fourth-year BA Philippine Arts student Alonah Louise Mateo emphasized the importance of collaboration among artists and stakeholders in different artistic fields.

“Importante na mabigyan ng inspirasyon ang mga art organizations na maghanap ng kakaiba at bagong koneksyon sa mga kapwang artists upang mas lumago ang creative industries at mas dumami ang trabaho para sa mga Pilipino,” Mateo added.

The kickoff ceremony was made possible through the efforts of the Department of Arts and Communication (DAC), Office of the Students Affair (OSA), and UP Manila Salinlahi.