- Artists' Circle
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 its College of Fine Arts.The Alumni of the Artists' Circle Fraternity constitutes a large portion of the College of Fine Arts faculty.It 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 intheater ,literature ,music ,architecture and thesciences . 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.
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. 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.
* Began the tradition of Celebrating the "Fine Arts week" and "Lantern Parade After Party" in the University of the Philippines.
* It is required that a new member receive a unanimous vote from members before induction.
* Holds an annual art exhibit called "Kalipunan".
* The fraternity mascot is a baseball player.
* Members of Batch '87-'92 of the Artists' Circle fraternity were among the very first "paddlers" of the UP Dragon boat Team, then known as the "UP Rowing Team" when it was founded by AC fraternity men in 1993.Fraternity Initiatives
Raising Gentlemen for the Arts
Raising Gentlemen for the Arts is the Neophyte Program of the Artists' Circle Fraternity which focuses on three aspects of membership in the Artists' Circle Fraternity- Leader, Gentleman, Artist. [http://www.upartistscircle.com/rush]
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. [http://www.upartistscircle.com/artgallery]
UP Artists' Circle Alumni Foundation (UPACAF)
It was during the 31st year of the Fraternity that an Alumni Foundation was established 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 fraternity2. Leadership training classes for members of a fraternity3. 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 areas4. Individual computers, computer desks, and computer chairs available for member use5. 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. [http://h1.ripway.com/artistscircle/donation.htm]
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 first installation of Kalipunan III is proposed to be shown on DECEMBER with succeeding activities that will last until the end of the summer term, in time with the celebration of the Fine Arts Week in U.P. Diliman. The exhibit will tour major art galleries in Manila. Some of the most-awaited young artists from the Philippines, will exhibit their works in Kalipunan.
WhatisArtisCircle Exhibit for 2007
The fraternity motto "ART IS CIRCLE" will be the main motiff of the kick-off event for Emerald Year commemoration of the Fraternity's founding. The fraternity will showcase their rich history with memorabilia, and photograph blow-ups depicting tradition, songs and literature of the fraternity. Also included in the celebration will be the tenth year anniversary of their "Isandaang taong bukang-liwayway mural" which has been used to represent the continuing struggle of Filipino scholars and martyrs by various organizations including the host college.
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.
External links
* [http://www.upartistscircle.com The Artists' Circle Fraternity official website]
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