UP Artists Circle Fraternity
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The Artists' Circle, is a secret collegiate fraternity for artists based in the University of the Philippines which maintains a long history of service and association with the UP College of Fine Arts.
The Alumni of the Artists' Circle Fraternity currently constitutes a large portion of the UP College of Fine Arts faculty and accepts into membership those who are at least interested in practicing an art form. AC is regarded as an institution of notable accomplishment and reputation in the Philippine art scene. The fraternity was founded in 1972 and was primarily focused on the visual arts but has since recruited members who focused in theater, literature, music, architecture and design. By Tradition, initiated members of the Artists' Circle fraternity are asked to take vows of selflessness and service through art. All of their meetings, are conducted in round table discussion.
The Artists' Circle holds exhibits and shows throughout the year but the most prominent is its annual exhibition, the Kalipunan which ran from February 2005- March 2010.
Loyalty, Humility and Determination are the core values of the fraternity.
Their fraternity emblem is based on the letter "A" enclosed in shape of a circle surrounded with gold laurel wreathes, symbolic of the motto: "Art is Circle". Laurel wreathes are said to have its roots from Daphne, lover of Apollo, who turned into a laurel tree after breaking from their embrace.
Despite the modern trend to adjust the nature of secret organizations, the Artists' Circle has kept its proceedings and rituals undisclosed.
Artists' Circle Fraternity trivia
- The Fraternity effectively served as the local student council of the College of Fine Arts during the Martial Law era in the Philippines. It's elected executive committee also performed the functions of the council following the ban on all student organizations except for fraternities.
- AC Fraternity's official colors are Navy Blue and Gold.
- AC's flowers are white rose buds.
- AC Began the tradition of Celebrating the "Fine Arts week" and "Lantern Parade After Party" in the University of the Philippines.
- Held an annual art exhibit called "Kalipunan" from 2004-2010 in the tradition of previous other exhibitions by the Fraternity.
- The fraternity mascot is a baseball player.
- Members of Batch '87-'92 of the Artists' Circle fraternity were among the very first members of the UP Dragon boat Team, then known as the "UP Rowing Team" when it was founded by some members of the AC fraternity in 1993.
- Established first unit outside UP Diliman with the installation of the UP Baguio Colony (probationary chapter) in 2008.
- Batches 1990-96 of the Fraternity painted the mural at the 2nd Floor of Palma Hall (formerly AS in UP Diliman through a commission by the Office of Initiatives for Culture and the Arts and the host college.
- The UP Artists' Circle Sorority is its sister sorority, with whom they share a common history and adherence to principles.
- Other murals by the UP Artists' Circle are found at the lobby of Vinzons Hall and Kalayaan Dormitory.
Initiatives
The Student Art Gallery Fund
The construction of the Student Art Gallery in the College of Fine Arts is in line with the College’s physical site improvements made for its centennial celebration. This project is currently being endeavored by the UP Artists’ Circle Fraternity with endorsement from the Mayor of Quezon City, the College of Fine Arts Dean and the Office of the Chancellor through the Office of Initiatives for Culture and the Arts . The Artists’ Circle has committed to raise funds with the help of their Alumni and to call on donors and patrons as partners in making this dream materialize in steel and concrete before the celebration of the UP Centennial.
The main beneficiary of the this project will be the Students of the College of Fine Arts who will finally have their own art space to encourage them to express themselves in different art crafts and aid them in academic research, as a depository of art works and artistic concepts.
This art gallery will rise in between the Amorsolo and Enriquez Halls, the space which currently houses the Artists’ Circle Fraternity Tambayan in the University of the Philippines.[1]
UP Artists' Circle Alumni Foundation
Established during the 31st year of the Fraternity, the purpose of the Alumni Foundation is to aide in financing projects of the Fraternity and conduct its very own scholarship grants.The Artists' Circle Foundation is the fund-raising entity of A.C. Fraternity and its primary focus is to support the education, leadership and development of collegiate chapters, alumni chapters, individuals of the Fraternity and deserving fine arts majors (non-members).
Types of grants
Fraternity foundations have asked whether grants serve exclusively charitable purposes when made for:
1. Scholarships to members of the fraternity 2. Leadership training classes for members of a fraternity 3. Study, library, instructional, and computer areas in chapter houses that are either separate from or adjacent to living and/or social areas and operational expenses for these areas 4. Individual computers, computer desks, and computer chairs available for member use 5. Long-distance telephone services, laundry facilities, dining areas, sleeping quarters, and dedicated social and recreational areas such as physical fitness equipment and facilities available for member use
The A.C. Alumni Foundation is a charitable and educational tax-exempt organization, separate and independent from the Fraternity, whose express purpose is to serve as an educational funding resource for the undergraduate and graduate student members of the Fraternity through leadership initiatives. The Artists' Circle Foundation is preparing our young men to be the value-centered leaders to guide us in the 21st century.
The Foundation is led by a Board of Governors of 12 members, headed by Mr. Joven Alcala '86.[2]
Fortnightly Pioneer
The Fortnightly Pioneer is a fraternity publication which seeks to reflect the Artists Circle experience by delivering news of both Resident and Alumni Corps of the Fraternity, individual members, and the hosts communities; by addressing current issues facing fraternities; by educating and entertaining those interested in the welfare of the Artists' Circle; and by serving as a historical record.
The Loyal Order
The Loyal Order is an alumni program for alumni members of the Artists' Circle Fraternity. Each year members who are elected to become the fraternity's own distinguished Alumnus are inducted into the Life Loyal Order of the fraternity which entitles him with the title "Most Distinguished Brother in the highest Loyal Order", the Loyal Order Pin and a miniature version of the Oblation sculpture.
Kalipunan Art Exhibit
The Kalipunan Art Exhibit is a joint project of faculty brothers and resident members of the fraternity aimed at strengthening social awareness of various art forms and to lead an interest by student involvement for their growth. In the past, activities leading to the art exhibit included art contests, cultural nights and parties within and outside the campus. The campaign is bolstered by advertisement through mass media and free lectures.
The last installation of Kalipunan V was shown at the Whitecube Gallery, Metropolitan Museum of Manila. Other exhibits featuring artists of the UP Artists' Circle are slated to show at other art galleries in Manila. Some of the most-awaited young artists from the Philippines have exhibited their works in Kalipunan V.
40th Anniversary in 2012
The motto of celebrations leading to the 40th Anniversary of the Artists' Circle is "Look Forward" and was launched in 2009 at the last installment of Kalipunan. The fraternity will showcase their rich history with an exhibit of collected memorabilia, and photograph blow-ups depicting tradition, songs and literature of the fraternity. Also included in the celebration are various other art exhibits, concerts, workshops, art fairs and a commemorative publication. All alumni of the UP Artists' Circle from all over the world are expected to join in the celebration.
College of Fine Arts Centennial
The year 2007 will officially mark the centennial of the College of Fine Arts, one year ahead of the University's centennial on 2008. In this light, the College is announced to closely work with the fraternity for the occasion. By the same year, the Artists' Circle will also celebrate their Emerald Anniversary and will release a book commemorating their milestones and history of service.
Notable members
Among its notable members are:
- Mon Jimenez '72, Advertiser
- Benjamin I. Cabangis '74, Painter, youngest CCP Thirteen Artists Awardee at age 21
- Nonong del Rosario '74, Painter, CCP Thirteen Artists Awardee
- Rock Drilon '74, Painter
- Popo San Pascual '78, Painter, CCP Thirteen Artists Awardee
- Bernardo Pacquing '84, Painter, CCP Thirteen Artists Awardee
- Mark Meily '87, Film-maker
- Rodel Tapaya '97, Painter
- Poklong Anading '95, multi-media artist, CCP Thirteen Artists Awardee winner Ateneo Art Award