An online-only platform, digest and shop which looks toward digital possibilities to interface with artists, collectors and enthusiasts to support the visual arts, Cartellino announced recently the third iteration of “First Edition,” a sitewide annual fundraising effort with Filipino youth initiative Kids For Kids PH (@kidsforkidsph), featuring the works by contemporary artists, established and emerging, from all over the country. They launched last November 6, 2022 (Sunday) at 10 am via an online event and will run until November 20. Art enthusiasts of all stripes are invited to browse the shop for a collection of limited-edition prints, paintings, drawings, hand-pulled prints, digital illustrations, photographs, collages, sculptures and art toys.
In efforts to widen and enhance the accessibility of art, the First Edition model has shown that art can be affordable and is capable of driving equal opportunity, sustainability and security. Following last year’s collaboration with Museo Pambata and Make-A-Wish Foundation, First Edition 2022 will be dedicated to the uplift of children’s right to education, creative expression, safe and healthy environments, and secure futures. This year, part of the proceeds from all artwork purchases on the web site will be donated to youth-led organization Kids For Kids PH.
Founded in 2015 by sisters Tasha and Bella Tanjutco, Kids For Kids PH has been at the forefront of youth empowerment, leading a movement committed to climate justice, access to education, and creative change-making. Through various campaigns, the ever-growing community of youth activists, cultural workers, creatives, educators, and environmentalists strive for a society where children’s rights to a safe environment and secure livelihood no longer need fighting for.
The funds raised through First Edition 2022 will contribute directly to the ongoing campaign Kapuluan ng Kabataan (@kapuluanngkabataan), a collection of projects across the archipelago geared toward reconnecting communities with our cultural and natural heritage—more specifically, to the construction and creation of a children’s library and workshop in Anajawan Island.
Featured in this year’s collection are limited-edition prints of works by National Artist José Joya, Katrina Cuenca, Carla Gamalinda, Alee Garibay, Nina Garibay, Jeffrey Jay Jarin, Lyndon Maglalang, Mr. S, and Arturo Sanchez Jr.; and fine art prints from printmakers Marz Aglipay and Mars Bugaoan. Also included in the roster are cartoonists Manix Abrera, Hulyen, and Tarantadong Kalbo; and photographers Cru Camara and Sonny Thakur. From artists such as Tyang Karyel and Celline Mercado come a collection of digital illustrations, while Quatro Hapimeel, Sean Michael Padie, and Wehkid each offer a series of art toys.
Launched in 2020, First Edition began as a cooperative fundraiser running a selection of limited-edition archival prints. Two years on, the project will run all types of art, from limited editions to original pieces, without cutting corners on access and affordability.
After I checked the Instagram account of Kids for Kids PH, I felt really glad that they have inspired more and more youth in our country to be agents of change. I am glad that my daughter Meagan is not alone in her quest for a better Philippines. She has always been passionate about education being the key catalyst for our country’s brighter future. She feels bad that our country has been left behind economically by so many of our Asian neighbors. She sees my own aunts, uncles and some friends who have worked hard in school and their craft, thrive financially outside of the Philippines. And now that she will be going to university in a few years, she shared to me that even if she is given a chance to study abroad, she would still want to come home because she believes in the future of the Philippines.
I hope all of us can support our “future-forward youths” in their efforts toward the best Philippines.