The exact purpose of art and its relevance to the everyday person remains a contentious discussion. From price points that make you scratch your head to obscured meanings and symbolisms, some may argue that art can only ever be appreciated and enjoyed by the select few.
But for artist and Lifestyle.INQ January 2023 cover star Kim Cruz, art can also be used to enact social change.
READ: With Every Brush Stroke, Kim Cruz Finds her Foothold
Established in December 2023 in Manila, the Kalma Art Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to maximizing art’s potential for good and believing in its power to inspire, educate, and unite people.
An art therapy session conducted at Manuel L. Quezon University | Photo from @kimcrooz/Instagram
The foundation has three main goals: building stronger communities through art, creating art with a purpose, and using art as a tool for change.
In hopes of achieving these goals, Kalma works closely with other organizations to provide art therapy for children and women who are victims of trafficking.
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During our conversation last year with Cruz, she explained that this approach to therapy was a means to have people open up through art.
“We ask the kids to draw their idea of a perfect day. One thing that I noticed through the process is that they usually have similar ideas of what happiness they seek—there’s always a sun, a beach, trees, and they’re always with their families.”
“That gives me hope because their art isn’t dark. They’re still kids, and even though they’ve been through so much, they’re still able to find joy. It’s the beauty of children, their optimism about life.”
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Kalma also conducts workshops and discussions at various universities and schools and has worked with partners such as Manuel L. Quezon University, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, and New Lounge PH to name a few. Partner foundations include Called to Rescue Philippines and Voice of the Free.
For more information visit Kalma Art Foundation’s website and Instagram.scarlette gaming