Celebrating with an exhibit full of color, curiosity, and creativity
The “Safe Space” area of the exhibit equips children with internet safety; “Tree Huggers” scale model - sculpture by Lito Mondejar based on a painting of Elmer Borlongan
June 17, 2025 by GMA News
The Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) celebrates its 20th anniversary with 'CANVAS: 20 Years of Art and Stories,' an exhibit running for a year starting June 14 at the National Museum of Fine Arts.
The display is from an extensive collection built over two decades of collaboration with more than 40 of the country's most acclaimed artists, including BenCab, Daniel dela Cruz, Renato Barja, Jonathan Madeja, Mark Justiniani, Joy Mallari, Leeroy New, Elmer Borlongan, Lito Mondejar, Renz Baluyot, Liza Flores, Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK), to name a few.
Designed to spark creativity and curiosity, the show is divided into themed sections, some offering unique hands-on experiences for both young and young at heart. Throughout the space are stamp stations that invite visitors to create their own postcards. Kids are encouraged to explore the exhibit in their own way, stepping into different sections through playful archways.
In “I Am the Change in Climate Change,” one wall features a spinning roulette that shares eco-friendly tips and activities, while another challenges kids to match cause-and-effect scenarios in nature through an engaging game format. The “Safe Space” area addresses internet safety and AI. Here, children use magnets on a board to express how they feel about AI's capabilities - whether helpful, concerning, or undecided. The “Karapat Dapat” corner on children's rights includes cozy mats for relaxation and reflection, plus inspirational mirrors perfect for selfies.
Then there's the activity area with a built-in slide to boost kid-friendliness. Here, visitors can flip through some of the 50 books published by CANVAS. These reading materials are donated to children in public schools and underserved communities across the Philippines as part of its “One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children” campaign.
“I Am the Change in Climate Change” is an interactive section that brings the environment into the conversation.
The activity area is also meant for workshops and activities. On the calendar are sessions on storytelling, poetry writing, story writing, illustration and art appreciation, and upcycling for kids. For parents and educators, there will be talks on topics such as explaining Martial Law to children and ensuring internet safety for the family. The complete schedule and registration details will be posted on CANVAS' social media accounts.
Visit “CANVAS: 20 Years of Art and Stories” at the fourth floor of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Galleries 25 & 26, from June 14, 2025 until June 2026.
For more information about CANVAS go to www.canvas.ph, or follow @canvas.ph on Facebook and @canvasph.art on Instagram.
