LOS BAÑOS, Laguna (PIA) – The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) reminds Filipinos that humanities expressed in various works of art remain an essential part of our collective identity and history as a nation, regardless of generation.
According to Edward Perez, Head of the NCCA Committee on Dramatic Arts, and Executive Director of ARTIST Inc., a Los Baños-based artist group, Filipinos’ deep appreciation for culture and the arts will forever remain as art continues to evolve over time, with each generation influencing the interpretation of art.
For instance, Perez shared that the use of language is a form of artistic expression, noting how Generation Z also known as Gen Z, influences the way how people speak and communicate, a unique style they also incorporate into artistic storytelling particularly in the field of theater.
“This means that language is different, the experiences are different, which means that art can serve as a bridge for our so-called baby boomers, millennials, and Gen Z to connect,” Perez emphasized.
In a study conducted by Australian firm McCrindle, generations are categorized based on their birth years. Baby boomers were born between 1946 and 1964, Generation X spans from 1965 to 1979, and Generation Y, also known as Millennials, were born between 1981 and 1994. Generation Z includes those born from 1995 to 2009.
Lastly, Generation Alpha comprises individuals born between 2010 and 2024, while Generation Beta refers to those born from 2025 onwards.
He also reiterated that the NCCA aims to deepen our appreciation for the arts, especially the younger generations, who are expected to play a significant role in making humanities, expressed in the arts, flourish.
“What our agency, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts wants, is to create a space in the hearts of the current generations, discover what art can be used and how to create timely, new and relevant art [works] in accordance with the global landscape,” Perez added.
Through the annual observance of Arts Month every February, the NCCA’s efforts and commitment, in collaboration with other organizations, are amplified to enhance appreciation and understanding of culture and the arts.
“By celebrating and emphasizing this, we give space and opportunities to contemporary generations to create a meaningful art that reflects Filipino culture,” he said.
Perez also assured the public that the NCCA and ARTIST Inc. will continue to collaborate with other government agencies and multi-sectoral organizations to further protect, develop and promote Philippine arts and culture.
In relation to this, Perez encourages everyone to support the Tanghalang Bayan, which will be staged in various venues on February 26, featuring adaptations of stories from within the communities. (CO/PIA-4A)
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