A group of artists issued a clarificatory statement, today, regarding the alleged ‘party’ that took place at the Art District where health protocols were not observed.
In a statement, the group said that in preparation for the VIVA ExCon opening slated last November 8 to be conducted virtually via zoom and meant to kick off the virtual conference VCon 1, an exhibition was organized for the sole purpose of simulating a live opening for video recording.
The group clarified that there was no event, nor announcement about the activity. However, it was unfortunate that the set attracted the usual Art District crowd and management was not able to control their enthusiasm.
But when the organizers noted of this, it did stop the activity so as to disperse the crowd.
With all humility, the art family extends our apology to the community for the concern raised regarding the Nov. 6 occurrence, the statement said.
It added: “We would like to reassure the community that as a matter of habit, Art District conforms to the mandated health protocol and consistently assists those within its reach through the Art Heals fundraising initiative to deliver aid throughout the course of the quarantine.”
Subsequently, Art District remained closed on the following days, according to the organizers.
The VIVA ExCon is one of the most sustained artist-initiated biennales in Southeast Asia. The hosting moves from island to island every two years without fail and Bacolod City has been chosen to host the 16th iteration which kicked off last November 8, 2020 and will evolve patiently in phases until July 2021 for an exhibition program, all in virtual format.
