Ideas Needed - FilAm Arts’ Public Artwork celebrating Filipina and Filipina-American heroines

As part of FilAm Arts’ continuing mission of fostering knowledge of the history and presence of Filipino Americans, especially locally, we are overjoyed to announce securing funding from the L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) toward the development and creation of a public artwork celebrating the history and legacy of noteworthy Filipina and Filipina-American heroines, such as Gabriel Silang, Filipina Sikadas, 1920 -1930’s Manangs, Helen Brown, Dawn Malabon, and others. 

We are immensely grateful to the DCA for this generous initiative funding of all materials, permits, and equipment needed for a project of this scope, as well as for ongoing maintenance costs after its completion. As arts educators with public art experience, we (Maryrose Cobarrubias Mendoza and Christine Morla) are developing the mural design and will direct an apprenticeship program (also funded by DCA) to train and oversee student artists selected to assist in creating the mural, empowering the next generation of artists and cultural workers. At this time, the project’s only missing piece is a wall space in any dimensions between 200–500 sq.ft. and permission from its owner to use it for this purpose. Accordingly, we appeal to our members, community leaders, and other advocates for assistance in locating and securing such a space. While a space in the Historic-Filipinotown or Little Manila areas could be ideal, there are plenty of cities in L.A. County where Filipino roots run deep, such as Eagle Rock, Walnut, and West Covina. 

Please email gtongi@filamarts.org if you have any suggestions!