‘Creativity takes courage.’ — Henri Matisse
By: NENY REGINO
MANY lovers of the arts may not know of it yet, but the Erehwon Center of the Arts is the place to go these days.
Erehwon was established in 2012 with the aim of providing a nurturing environment for artists. Despite its being relatively young compared to the more established art centers, it is gaining popularity as a creative community center in the country. In its earlier years, Erewhon focused on the visual arts, but later incorporated the performing arts, music, publications and films.
The Erehwon Center of the Arts is a people’s art center as it makes art accessible to as many people as possible whatever their economic status. It is dedicated to promoting an appreciation and love for learning in the arts and culture not only through its exhibitions but also through education and its various outreach and cultural exchange and cooperation programs.
Its efforts have not gone unnoticed as it was recognized in 2018, six years after its establishment, and conferred the Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Quezon City government.
Luminaries of Philippine arts and culture who have contributed to the growth of Erehwon through the years (before their passing) include Jose Conrado “Joly” Benitez, Renato “Boysie” Villavicencio, Behn Cervantes, Alice Guillermo, National Artists Bienvenido Lumbera and Francisco Sionil Jose, Veronica Tapia-Merck, Dr. Reuben Cañete, Pablo Baens Santos, Leonilo Doloricon, Heber Bartolome, Dario Noche and Atty. Cenon Cervantes.
Founder Rafael R. Benitez serves as the chairman of the Erehwon Center for the Arts. The Erehwon Arts Foundation serves as the social and cultural promotion advocacy arm of the center. Foundation president Jesus B. Varela is president. Board members include Antonio V. Magpantay, Joaquin M. Teotico, Rep. Francisco B. Benitez, Consuelo A. Regino and Jasper V. Viloria.
As the promotion advocacy arm, the Erehwon Arts Foundation collaborates with other arts and culture organizations in the country such as the National Commission on Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It is also a member of the Association of Philippine Performing Arts Spaces.
The Center has several facilities. It has a two-level exhibit space called Erehwon Atelier within the Erehwon compound, aside from the lobby gallery exhibit space located at the main building. An outdoor performance stage is named after film and theater actor and director Behn Cervantes. The Tanghalang Behn Cervantes can seat 200 people.
The Center also houses a dance studio, workshop hall, art gallery, music studio and a library.
For artists in training under the Center’s Artist Residency Program who need accommodation in Metro Manila, Erehwon has dormitory-type accommodation.
Serving as a convergence area for artists and visitors are the Center’s Cafe and the Roofdeck where one can eat, have a beer or a cup of coffee.
During the Covid pandemic, the Erehwon Center for the Arts ventured into film production.
Its maiden short film titled Young Rizal and the Secret of the Light won the Festival Director Award at the 2022 International Film Festival Manhattan.
It also produced its first full-length feature Amon Banwa sa Lawud (Our Island of the Mangrove Moons) directed by Anton Juan. It was produced in collaboration with Arete Ateneo.
The film centers on the lives of the inhabitants of Suyac, one of the islands of Sagay City in Negros island. It is a story of their resilience and how they survive amid threats to their existence.
Amon Banwa sa Lawud was chosen Best International Feature Film at the 2023 Louth International Film Festival held each year in the County of Louth on the east coast of Ireland.
The Erehwon Center for the Arts is located at #1 Don Francisco Street, Villa Beatriz Subdivision, Old Balara, Quezon City.
