MANILA, Philippines – The Australian Embassy celebrates Australia’s National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week 2010 with an exhibition of Indigenous stoneware from Sagada until July 21 at the Cav Wine Shop-Café, Fort Bonifacio Global City.
The “Ub Ubbo 2010 (Sharing and Working Together): Pottery from Sagada” exhibit features distinctly-crafted stoneware by Sagadan potters Lope Bosaing, Sigrid Bangyay and Tessy Baldo. The exhibition will also feature the works of Jon Pettyjohn, Joey de Castro, Pete Cortes, Jo Geraldo and Pablo Capati III of the Putik Potters Association of the Philippines. The exhibition is supported by Art Informal, Cav Wine Shop-Café and Tanglewood Premium Wines. Exhibit pieces will be available for purchase.
Australian Chargé d’Affaires, Stephen Scott said Australia’s support through the Embassy’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) for the construction of a wood-fired kiln and pottery-training center had assisted in preserving Sagada’s ancient pottery tradition for the enjoyment of future generations.
“The project has also helped stimulate economic activity in the Sagadan community and enabled potters to develop and showcase their unique heritage to a broader Philippine audience,” said Scott. “‘Ub Ubbo 2010’ is part of the Embassy’s celebration of Australia’s NAIDOC Week which recognizes the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across many fields, including the arts, media, academia, sports, government and business. It also provides an opportunity to highlight Australia’s support for other Indigenous cultures, including in the Philippines.”
Australian assistance to Philippine Indigenous people has helped improve education with the implementation of indigenized curriculum in 71 schools in Mindanao, benefiting more than 5000 children. Since 2006, the DAP has provided approximately P4 million to programs which contribute to Indigenous peoples welfare and income-generating capacity.