PH embassy, University of Applied Arts in Vienna to collaborate for PH Arts Research Initivative

The Philippine Embassy in Austria and the University of Applied Arts Vienna (Angewandte) signed a donation agreement for the establishment of a Philippine Research Initiative, under the latter’s Artistic Strategies Department, considered the first of its kind in Austria. Angewandte is the leading competence center for artistic and scientific research in Austria.

The embassy is donating P3 million (approximately fifty thousand euros) to the University of Applied Arts Vienna for studies centered on Filipino culture and heritage. The initial offering will have a theoretical and practical introduction to Philippine contemporary art and curation.

The donation agreement was made possible by a program initiated by Philippine Senator Loren Legarda, who is a strong advocate and supporter of academic programs and projects in universities all over the world that promote Philippine culture and heritage.

Through her personal message presented during the signing ceremony, Legarda also expressed optimism on the impact of the project.

“Showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the Philippines within a distinguished academic art institution that is located in a city celebrated for its dedication to artistic and cultural endeavors is a milestone for cultural diplomacy,” she said.

“International relations are indispensable elements of living universities. Cross-national interaction enriches the thinking of the people involved from different realities of life and promotes the complexity of the content of artistic and scientific work,” said Angewandte Rector Gerald Bast as he explained the background of  this new cooperation.

The Vienna-based research initiative is unique among established Philippine Studies Programs worldwide as it focuses on the applied arts, and “offers teaching of theory and practice, situating at its core questions of artistic methods in relation to social dynamics and global challenges.”

According to Philippine Ambassador to Austria Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas, “This initiative not only enhances European understanding on the arts and culture of the Philippines, but also kindles genuine interest in our diverse heritage and history, particularly on our strong creative arts tradition. I am optimistic that this program will foster cross-cultural appreciation and meaningful exchange.”

Activities under the research initiative program will include a public talk series, workshops, and screenings, and will be available to undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Angewandte as well as the general public interested in the Philippines and its artistic endeavors and perspectives. The Artistic Strategies Department led by Univ. Prof. Bouchra Khalili will be primarily involved with the Philippine Research Initiative.

Philippine Embassy Cultural Officer Kristine Camille Cruz also expressed her enthusiasm and optimism on the collaboration between the Embassy and the University of Applied Arts in Vienna (Angewandte).

“I am honored to be part of the project that celebrates and explores Philippine arts and culture, and I would also like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to Angewandte for making this initiative a possibility in Vienna. I look forward to potentially working on similar projects in the future, and wish Angewandte continued success.”