Canvas marks 20th anniv with year-long exhibit at National Museum

June 10, 2025 by JT Nisay for BusinessMirror

Non-profit organization Canvas, or the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (Canvas), celebrates its 20th anniversary with a year-long exhibit at the National Museum of Fine Arts. The show is divided into themes that represent the various advocacies close to the organization. One is “Safe Space,” an area that teaches children the basic principles of internet safety. Meanwhile, “I Am the Change in Climate Change” is an interactive section centered on environmental awareness.

Canvas founder and executive director Gigo Alampay

“I am magic, I hold the key

To all the things you’re yet to be.

To all the paths you’re yet to find

To all the dreams within your mind”

Gigo Alampay’s Ode to a Young Reader begins, and ends, with a succinct yet enchanting description of the transformative power of literature, creatively narrated from the perspective of a book addressing a child. Copies of the two-version palindrome poem flank the entrances of the newly opened anniversary exhibition of Canvas at the National Museum of Fine Arts, celebrating two decades of art and stories for the non-profit organization.

Alampay founded Canvas, or the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (Canvas) in 2005. The group collaborates with the creative community to promote children’s literacy, explore national identity, and foster a deeper public appreciation for Philippine art, culture, and the environment.

The story of Canvas began from Alampay’s intention to publish a local adaptation of The Man Who Planted Trees by French writer Jean Giono. Coincidentally, the book’s profound affirmation of an individual’s power to change the world has so perfectly resonated with Canvas’s aspirations, serving as the perfect catalyst for the organization to press onward with its vital work.

“We cling to the hope and possibility that somewhere down the line, one of the books that we publish, one of the artworks that we show, or one of the ideas that we share, will trigger the imagination of one child who will then be moved to change the world for the better,” Alampay said.

Canvas published the adaptation, titled Elias and His Trees, on June 13, 2005. The success of that first book, as Alampay puts it, “led us to other books, which later led to more books, new programs, and to even bigger dreams.”

To date, Canvas’ publication tally stands over 50 books, covering different themes and topics, from children’s rights and the environment, to democracy, friendship, family, and grief. Notable titles include the award-winning Hanapin Ang Sagot: Ano Ang Batas Militar?, Karapat Dapat, and I Like Wearing Rainbows. Meanwhile, Nadia and the Blue Stars and Silim, Prinsesa ng Dilim, have been adapted into stage plays and musicals.

Canvas has also worked with prominent figures in Philippine literature to author and translate books, from the likes of Vim Nadera to Cyan Abad-Jugo and Butch Dalisay. An impressive roster of renowned visual artists has lent their talents in support of the organization’s cause as well. The list includes National Artist BenCab, along with Daniel dela Cruz, Renato Barja, Jonathan Madeja, Mark Justiniani, Joy Mallari, Leeroy New, Elmer Borlongan, Lito Mondejar, Renz Baluyot, Liza Flores, and Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK), to name a few.

The creations of these visual artists have brought Canvas’ books to life with their signature styles, inspired uniquely designed gift items, and shaped some of the most educational and insightful art events. Likewise, their artworks are showcased in the Canvas’s new exhibition at the National Museum.

The exhibit, titled Canvas: 20 Years of Art and Stories, aims to paint a collective portrait of the values, stories and creative energies that have shaped Canvas over the past 20 years. The show opens on June 14 and will run for a year on the fourth floor of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Galleries 25 and 26.

“I selected most of the artworks in the exhibition and worked with our curator, Jaime Pacena II, to help translate my vision into a cohesive and meaningful experience for a public audience,” Alampay said. For Pacena, that means understanding their target audience’s interests and tendencies. “Mayroong touch of informality [‘yung exhibit] because we would like the kids to really roam around.”

The curator added, “Ang goal namin is to make it more like a playground for the imagination, for our minds and our spirits.”

Canvas: 20 Years of Art and Stories includes several interactive elements designed to engage young visitors, including archways that children can go through, inviting them to explore at their own pace. The exhibit is divided into themes representing the various advocacies close to the non-profit.

 “I Am the Change in Climate Change,” for instance, raises environmental awareness for the little ones. Installed on one wall of the space is a spinning roulette of activities and ideas for visitors, especially kids, to educate them about sustainable and eco-friendly daily habits. Another side presents a matching game called “Everything Is Connected,” where kids can match the cause and effect of various phenomena in nature.

Other spaces include the “Safe Space” area, which equips children with the basics of safe internet use; “Karapat Dapat,” which promotes children’s rights; and “Art for Development,” which covers topics such as women, diaspora and faith.

At the heart of the exhibition hall is “Read. Imagine. Create.” where visitors can read, play and rest. In the pipeline are workshops and activities that give kids the opportunity to put their ideas into action, from producing their own art to writing, exploring and other creative expressions. The complete schedule and registration details will be posted on Canvas’ website (www.canvas.ph) and @canvas.ph on Facebook and @canvasph.art on Instagram.

Aside from celebrating a milestone, Canvas: 20 Years of Art and Stories also provides a glimpse of into the organization’s soon-to-open Tumba-Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art in Ibaan, Batangas. The space will serve as the permanent home for the artworks featured in the National Museum exhibit. Situated on a 15,000-sqm space, Tumba-Tumba is currently open only for special events or by appointment. There are five current installations in place at the Museum, including Elmer Borlongan and Lito Mondejar’s Tree Huggers and Leeroy New’s first permanent structure, I Am the Explorer, a spaceship that will house Tumba-Tumba’s permanent collection.

According to Alampay, turning this dream project into reality requires significant resources, and Canvas has been doubling its efforts to raise additional support and keep doors open to new collaborations and sponsorships. Financial donations can be completed through www.canvas.ph or through GlobalGiving (tinyurl.com/47m5pfw9).

As progress continues on the museum, other Canvas initiatives remain active. One is the Romeo Forbes Children’s Literacy Program, named after the artist of Canvas’s first book, Romeo Forbes, who died of cancer at the age of 24. The program involves a story-writing competition and book-giving initiatives. Canvas hopes to give away one million books to children in poor and disadvantaged communities nationwide. Last 2024, the organization passed the halfway mark. The books are also available for free download from the Canvas website.

Canvas also has a public art program, “Art for Development,” which facilitates discussions on national issues, culture, the environment, and more. The program invites Filipino artists to respond to chosen themes through paintings and sculptures that are then displayed as art banners in pedestrian-friendly areas, such as the Academic Oval in University of the Philippines Diliman.

From publishing that one book 20 years ago, Alampay reflected on how Canvas’ mission has both evolved and stayed the same. He said, “We want children not only to read books, but to love books as well.”

It’s a beautiful anecdote that is likewise delivered in his palindrome poem, “Ode to a Young Reader,” serving as either the beginning or conclusion of his poem, depending on the version.

“Take any book.

There’s much to learn, so pick and look

You can’t go wrong if us you’ll keep.

Love books, dear child, and love us deep.”