PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN DAMASCUS OPENS "COLORS OF HEALING AND HOPE," AN INAUGURAL FIVE.DAY ART EXHIBIT IN CELEBRATION OF THE MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES MONTH 2022
ln celebration of the Museums and Galleries Month (MGM) in October 2022, Damascus PE, in cooperation with the Syrian Ministry of Culture and the Cultural Center of Abu Rummaneh, opened the inaugural five-day art exhibit entitled Colors of Healing and Hope, on 16 October 2022 at the Cultural Center of Abu Rummaneh in Damascus. The first-ever Art Exhibition with artists from more than eleven (1 1) countries, ran from 16 to 20 October 2022, as the grand finale of the Embassy's participation in the MGM 2022.
The exhibit features artworks by various amateur artists from different countries and organizations, including the Filipino Community. The said artworks were the culminating output of the two-day Art Therapy Workshop hetd last 09-10 Octob er 2022. This was the first part of the series of activities that Post prepared for this month's observance of MGM 2022. Nearly sixty (60) mixed media paintings that vary in sizes and media techniques were featured.
ln her opening remarks, CDA Vida Soraya Verzosa explained the theme of MGM 2022 and its focus on hope and healing, that despite the painful things that happened in our individual countries, there is always hope for recovery. She also expounded on the agreements signed between the Philippines and Syria in the areas of culture, economy, tourism and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and cited that the Art Exhibition is an implementation program of the Cultural Agreement. CDA Verzosa, applying her training in the "Healing with the Arts" course of the University of Florida, was also the facilitator of the two-day Art Therapy Workshop. This was hosted at her residence at a very well-attended and unique learning event.
Honorary president of the Diplomatic Club of Syria (DCOS), Mrs. Shukria Mekdad, commented that the art therapy workshop was a wonderful experience, calling it a healing session through colors and painting. Mrs. Mekdad thanked CDA Verzosa and the Embassy team that made the unique workshop a success.
Approximately one hundred thirty (130) people attended the opening ceremony composed of Filipino Cornmunity members, Syrian government officials, members of the diplomatic missions, staff of the United Nations, members of the Diplomatic Club of Syria (DCOS) and their spouses, international organizations, and members of the Syrian media who covered this pioneering event.
After the programme, light snacks were served and the Filipino Community members sang their hearts out in a karaoke session that was set up outside the historic venue, known as the oldest Cultural Center in Damascus.
As part of the exhibit, Post provided a Gallery Guest Book where visitors can Ieave messages after seeing the artworks. An "Art Collab Canvas" Area outside was also prepared for the members of the viewing public to make their own artworks by drawing and painting, with art materials and inspirational messages provided by the Embassy for their creativity prompts.
This event is the biggest art exhibition organized by the Embassy and the first time such an art therapy workshop was provided on the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2022 for Filipinos and the international community. -END
