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In 1978
the Asian Christian Art Association was founded to encourage the visual
arts in Asian churches. At that first consultation of artists in Bali,
the aims of the Association were clearly stated, as follows:
To
encourage artists to express Christian concern through their art
in an Asian context.
To coordinate the activities of individuals and groups in Asian
region who are working on indigenous art forms.
To provide a means of communication and information.
To work with churches, with the Christian Conferences of Asia and
with other bodies seeking to witness to Christian faith in Asia.
This
association was the result of many dialogues between artists and
theologians in Asia, in their encounters at various occasions. Theologians
who appreciate the creative mind of the artists as expressed in
their works have also inspired and helped artists in their theological
reflections which are manifest in their paintings sculptures and
dances. Conversely, many artists have also inspired theologians
to be more creative in their theological thoughts and in their sermons.
The Christian Conference of Asia has played a significant role in
facilitating the birth of this very important ecumenical association
of artists in Asia, which has enriched the ecumenical movement globally.
In the
last twenty years, many exhibitions have been held not only in various
countries in Asia, but also in Europe, North America and Australia.
Members have been assisted to exhibit their works nationally and
internationally.
ACAA
has held earlier international consultations such as in Manila (Mt.
Makiling Art Center) 1984 and in Hong Kong for women artists, September
1992. The magazine Image, published regularly by ACAA for 20 years,
continues to receive appreciation from people and institutions around
the world. It is a medium of communication between the members and
a means of introducing the works of young artists. Many other publications
and video productions have enriched the resources for creative and
artistic reflection.
The 1998
Bali meeting elected a new executive committee, and together they
have begun to look forward to the next twenty years in the new century
and new millennium. We are challenged to be more creative and to
take the lessons and experience of the past twenty years so that
we may look forward to the new era, where technological advancement
and the globalisation of market economy may challenge the moral
and ethical integrity of our society.
Members
of the executive committee are looking forward to the new millennium.
We hope to be able to continue the networking of artists and theologians,
to enable the dialogue and sharing among artists and continue support
for the development of young artists. We also have a dream of establishing
an Asian Christian Art Center where there will be regular exhibitions
of the works of ACAA members and where various art seminars and
workshops can be held regularly. We also hope to enlarge our membership
to include our friends in the Pacific Islands, so that we will be
enriched further by their creative contributions.
We hope
that ACAA will continue to enjoy the support and patronage of many
of our donors from Asia, Europe and North America as well as from
Australia and Aotearoa - New Zealand.The 25th anniversary of ACAA
was held in Seoul Korea on June 16-17, 2003. One of the agenda on
that meeting was to elect the new commitee members for the nest
term. Thy are:
Dr.
Judo Poerwowidagdo, Indonesia (President)
Dr. He Qi, China (Member)
Emmanuel Garibay, Philippine (Member)
Soichi Watanabe, Japan (Member)
Rhuani Rambukwella, Sri Lanka (Member)
Rev. Ron O'Grady, New Zealand (Consultant)
Dr. Masao Takenaka, Japan (Honorary President)
In the longer
term, it is still hoped that ACAA will one day be able to establish
a permanent exhibitions centre for Asian Christian art. To do it properly
with adequate air conditioning and lighting will be quite a costly
undertaking and will need much planning. It is however a dream which
the executive continues to pursue at each of it meetings.
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