The British Council welcomed the international Moving Narratives cohort to the Philippines for the first time, marking a milestone in cross-cultural collaboration and artistic exchange.
The organisation brought together over 50 Filipino artists, cultural practitioners, and international delegates from the Moving Narratives programme at an artist mixer and roundtable discussion in Makati City. This event created a space for participants to discuss pressing social issues, share creative ideas, and form new connections that could lead to lasting collaborations.
Moving Narratives: Empowering Artists for Global Social Change
Moving Narratives, a mentorship initiative by the British Council and the Prince Claus Fund, brings together mid-career artists and cultural practitioners from around the world annually. This programme offers a vibrant platform to explore innovative ideas, forge artistic connections, and tackle societal issues. By empowering participants, Moving Narratives inspires a wave of change through their creative work.
“This gathering shows our commitment to cross-cultural exchange. It’s a unique opportunity for both local and international artists to share experiences and insights, building mutual understanding around some of today’s most urgent global challenges,” emphasised Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, Head of Arts at the British Council.
Last October, the Artist Mixer showcased the diverse and dynamic Philippine art scene. It brought together local and international artists, fostering discussions on how intercultural collaborations can amplify important stories and address social problems.
Artists Roundtable: Building Shared Advocacy and Inclusion Across Borders
On October 23rd, 16 artists from various creative fields came together for a powerful roundtable discussion. Led by Pamintuan and Jonathan Morley, Relationships Manager from the British Council, the conversation covered a wide range of topics, including censorship, regional representation, labour rights, and the significance of supporting artists as essential workers.
Participants emphasised the need for collaboration with labour unions to secure fair pay and benefits. They also called for empowering artists outside Metro Manila to create a more inclusive and diverse arts scene in the Philippines.
Reflecting on the connections formed during the event, Morley shared, “It’s a privilege to be able to travel and to meet with representatives of an artistic community, however fleetingly, whilst travelling. Our Arts Team in the Philippines had invited an impressive cross-section of the Manileño arts scene to a roundtable conversation on the Culture Responds programme themes, which view arts and culture as fundamental aspects of international development. It was a distinctly collective conversation, which opened up new perspectives for me on how issues like cultural diversity and minority rights are understood locally. Salamat po to everyone who attended!”
Through initiatives like Moving Narratives, the organisation empowers artists, cultural practitioners, and organizations to drive change. This programme amplifies diverse voices addressing crucial global issues, such as cultural heritage, climate action, diversity, gender equality, and disability arts. By fostering cross-border connections, it encourages the exchange of ideas that benefit global communities.
The British Council strengthens cultural ties between the UK and the Philippines through grants, partnerships, and programmes like Moving Narratives. These efforts play a significant role in cultivating a global arts community dedicated to social impact.
For more information about the work of the British Council, visit www.britishcouncil.ph or follow @phbritish on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You may also sign up to their arts newsletter to receive latest updates through their website.