Creations for a Cause: These Works of Art Will Go To Helping the Ultra-Poor in the Philippines - Arts & Culture

Philippine artists donate their works in support of International Care Ministries’ upcoming fundraising banquet.

True art has the power to make a difference. It can influence thought, provoke strong emotion, impact culture, and even improve the lives of others. Many artists strive to make a difference through their work. 

This is especially true of the 34 artists who have generously donated their works to International Care Ministries’ (ICM) fundraising banquet this year.

ICM is a non-profit organization working to transform the lives of the ultra-poor. Its annual fundraising banquet attracts hundreds of Hong Kong’s top executives, and has raised tens of millions of US dollars over the past 16 years toward the alleviation of ultra-poverty in the Philippines. 

Every year, the works of Filipino artists have been a highlight of the banquet’s auction. 

From left: “George” by Ram Mallari; “Mother’s Bests” by Migs Villanueva

“I’ve been involved with ICM for the past several years,” painter Addie Cukingnan shares. “I believe in the work they’re doing among the poorest of the poor here in our country. I’ve visited one of their first adopted communities in Bacolod and was very impressed with what I saw.” 

Other artists donating their new work include sculptors Ram Mallari and Seb Chua, and painters Migs Villanueva, Louie Ignacio, Kristine Lim, Ombok Villamor, Carlo Magno, Marius Black, Sam Penaso, Benjie Cabangis, Marcy Dans, and Mary Rose Gisbert.

From left: “Rhapsody in Blue” by Meneline Wong; “Orbs of Life” by Seb Chua

Global audience

Most people did not expect that, come 2021, the world would still be in the grip of this global pandemic. ICM’s 2021 banquet, as the year before, will be a virtual affair, broadcast live from Hong Kong to hundreds of guests and donors joining from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, the Philippines, and other countries. 

In 2020, 1,600 guests participated from around the world, with the auction raising $170,000 or P8.5 million.

From left: “Flying Dreams” by Ombok Villamor; “Waltz of the Flower” by Louie Ignacio

Entitled, “Inspiring Hope, Empowering Change,” the banquet will be held on October 28, 2021, with the main event starting live at 8.30PM, Hong Kong/Manila time. The Countdown Show, with a more-detailed look at auction items starts at 7.30PM. 

Interested parties looking for new art in the auction may learn more and sign up at caremin.com/banquet-2021

Banner Photo: “Golden Lotus Bloom” by Addie Cukingnan

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