US envoy joins Pinoy artists in mural project celebrating US-PH ties

FILE: The United States Embassy in Manila launched the Youth Art Collab mural project with US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and Filipino muralist Kris Abrigo, at the American Center Friday. (Photo: PTV/Facebook)

MANILA — In line with the Philippine Arts Month, the United States Embassy in Manila launched the Youth Art Collab mural project with US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and Filipino muralist Kris Abrigo, at the American Center Friday.

During the event, Kim joined Abrigo and young artists from the Doodle Art Enthusiasts (DAE) in doing the finishing touches on a mural celebrating the longstanding US-Philippines relationship.

According to the embassy, the artwork was completed in just a week.

Abrigo said the activity aims to create a collaborative mural that celebrates diverse cultures and illustrates a rich connection between two allied countries, adding that this is “a great privilege and an awesome opportunity to spread messages of peace and unity.”

DAE Creative Director Lei Melendres said as a community, they aim to uphold and inspire the current generation with the belief that everyone can get a chance to be part of “something big”.

“(This is) why we include our members in collaborative endeavors such as this, making them aware of how they can use their talents and skills to make a change,” the creative director added.

The American Center was launched in 1945 as the Thomas Jefferson Library and in 1999 became the Thomas Jefferson Information Center.

The Center has since evolved into a dynamic public engagement space it is today.

The Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy maintains a network of American Spaces in the Philippines including the American Center and 14 American Corners in key locations throughout the country.

The American Spaces in the Philippines are part of a global network of 650 American Spaces around the world that strive to provide innovative, multifunctional platforms for public engagement programs that introduce visitors to the people, history, culture, and policies of the United States.