The National Commission for Culture and the Arts through its International Affairs Office successfully participated in the recently concluded ASEAN – Republic of Korea Visual Arts Policy Discussion and Workshop from November 8-11, 2023 at the ASEAN Secretariat Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The policy discussion and workshop was participated by nominees of ASEAN member states from the visual arts sector who are policy makers from arts and cultural ministries or arts and cultural workers with an understanding of ASEAN cultural diplomacy functions. The Philippines was represented by Prof. Dennis Montera PhD, Head of the National Committee on Visual Arts, and Asst. Prof. Avie Felix, Vice-Head of the National Committee on Art Galleries. The delegates are also distinguished members of the faculty in the University of the Philippines system.

The policy discussion is part of the KONNECT ASEAN project that addressed the Strategic Plan for Culture and Arts 2016-2025 of the Senior Officials Meeting on Culture and Arts (SOMCA). This plan encourages a multi-stakeholder approach in promoting an ASEAN mindset and identity to increase the appreciation for ASEAN’s histories, arts, traditions and values. Concurrently, KONNECT ASEAN addresses the work plan of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Plan of Action, 2016-2020, by promoting cooperation in the area of culture and arts.

The ASEAN-ROK Visual Arts Policy Discussions and Workshop engaged the participants to craft a deep analysis of the KONNECT ASEAN program in collaboration with key stakeholders which will be incorporated into a Final Report with recommendations for future improvement of the said program.