By Eric Isaac

An author and freelance writer based in Hawaii, Patricia Laurel was crestfallen by what she sees as the obliteration of our nation’s soul–culture, traditions, the arts. So along with a group of artists and writers, she decided to do something about it by envisioning the Manila Center for the Arts.

The center provides a platform for established and emerging Filipino artists, students, and untapped talents, educators, and arts enthusiasts. It will be “a convening venue to serve as a cooperative for Filipino visual and performing artists, musicians, and writers whose work is pushing boundaries in content and form, and whose passion involves challenging the status quo.”

The third floor of the landmark Army and Navy Club near the Quirino Grandstand at Luneta Park is the planned site for the center, while funding will be generated through grants and private contributions.

To jumpstart the project, a quarterly magazine, Art-in-Site, will be published in January 2008 to be distributed both here and in the United States.

Serving as the official voice of the center, Art-in-Site magazine is designed with four main sections: arts, literature, culture, and youth forum (to encourage the active participation of our young talents and educators). Moreover, a Website is also being designed to complement the magazine.

For more information or questions regarding submissions, you may contact Patricia Laurel by e-mail at ptrclaurel@yahoo.com.

Via Senor Enrique