Eric Zerrudo, Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines, said at the event: "We are honored to host the opening of the Iranian traditional arts exhibition, including calligraphy, handicrafts, and books of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on behalf of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines."

He added: "The National Commission for Culture and the Arts has always welcomed the creative works of handicrafts from Iran, especially now as we mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Following the signing of the cultural agreement in 2023 between the two nations, we are committed to holding joint cultural and artistic exhibitions."

The Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines stated: "Cultural exhibitions like the one we are witnessing today are a tangible manifestation of the friendship between the two nations of the Philippines and Iran and their relentless efforts in pursuing the achievements made through the memorandum of understanding."

Emphasizing the deep sense of spirituality in Iranian handicrafts, he said: "The traditional works of art that we now have the honor of viewing are a manifestation of Iranian creativity that is on display and depicts how Iranians transform everyday objects into works of art."

 

 

Eric Zerrudo said: "We are proud to present a selection of Iranian films that depict various aspects of Iranian life and society through artistic narratives, for those interested, over two days. The screening of these films provides an opportunity to get to know our Iranian friends better through art."

He noted that, in line with the implementation of the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation between the two countries, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts once again welcomes joint cooperation with the Iranian Cultural Center Office in Manila, and expressed hope that through the cultural and artistic exchange program, friendship and mutual understanding between the people of the two countries can be further deepened.

Also, Abdolmajid Aboulghasemi, the Cultural Counselor of our country, said: "It is hoped that holding this cultural and artistic exhibition will be a positive step in developing and enhancement of cultural relations with the aim of increasing mutual understanding between the people of the two countries of each other."

He added: "We have gathered today on the occasion of the Iranian Handicrafts Exhibition." The famous Iranian poet Ferdowsi says: "Art is with the Iranians and that's it." Perhaps this line may be exaggerated in the eyes of some, but only those who are familiar with Iranian art and its breadth and history can realize that Iran is one of the world's leading countries in various artistic fields.

 

 

Aboulghasemi added: "One of the branches of the art tree in our country is handicrafts. Handicrafts are of special importance for every country. Even if we ignore financial and economic issues and the role this industry plays in job creation, handicrafts are considered the identity of a country, in such a way that they can narrate an ancient story of the civilization of a country and nation, which is certainly holds great value."

He stated: In the definition of handicrafts, it can be said that in this industry, the artist, using his own handiwork and with the help of primary and native tools, leads to the emergence of a luxurious artistic product called handicrafts. No one can deny that our country has long been known as one of the largest and most famous exporters of handicrafts in the world, so much so that all experts in this field around the world believe that Iran, with its ancient civilization and luxurious art, has the first say in this field. The artifacts left by our ancestors, such as tombs, mosques, palaces, and mansions, confirm this claim."

Our country's Cultural Counselor, while congratulating Christians on Christmas, expressed hope that more joint cultural and artistic programs will be held with the participation of artists from the two countries.

In this exhibition, the outstanding handicrafts of Iranian artists were exhibited for three days from December 10 to 12. Also, the films Emad and Tuba's Romanticism, Bodyguard, and Takhteh will be screened for two days at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines Cinema Hall.

 

 

Public Relations and Information of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization