The Global Artists’ Creative Collaboration for Empowerment (GACCE) recognized the Tradigital Fine Arts Department during the “Aspire” international art exhibit at Ricardo’s Galleria Al Fresco in Amadeo, Cavite on July 24-August 3, 2023.

GACCE is known as the first and only Fil-American State-registered art organization established in Silicon Valley, California. Initially sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts and now by Intersection for the Arts, San Francisco, GACCE is dedicated to promoting and enriching the appreciation of the arts emphasizing the invaluable contributions of Filipino artists to the international art scene.

During the presentation of the creative placemaking and tala awards, the Tradigital Fine Arts Art Park of the Adventist University of the Philippines was recognized as a venue of “Creative Placemaking with Glocalization Approach.” The Department’s Art Park received a public declaration of support and endorsement from GACCE. The Tala Award for Social Impact-Social Justice Posthumous Award was granted to the late Reuben Abaya Pagaduan, a former chair of the Tradigital Fine Arts Department and contributor to GACCE whose legacy resonates for generations to come. Ann Galeon Anolin received the award as a representative of the late Pagaduan.

Receiving her award, Ann Galeon Anolin, the current chair of the Fine Arts Department, was granted the Tala Award for Social Impact-Social Justice Most Distinguished Awardee for her remarkable leadership and commitment to providing equal educational opportunities to students and faculty through active participation in the art community.

“It is the hope of GACCE to serve as bridge that will connect each one of us to build a more sustainable and equitable community. As we “aspire” to sustain and improve ourselves and our works, we will ocntinue to advocate for social justice to highlight our role in the society,” chairman and founder of GACCE Dr. Bernadette Escalona-Cooper expressed. “The renowned artists who were awarded were not only artists but they are people coming from all sectors of the community, different aspects of the community. Why so? Because art binds all the sectors of community,” she added.

John Merick Eupalo and Ann Galeon Anolin curated the international group art exhibition of 27 delegates assisted by the Fine Arts faculty: Melanie Rose Cabalde and Francess Nicholeen Labrador.

As the event ended on August 3, 2023, the AUP Tradigital Fine Arts faculty, students, and alumni left an indelible mark on the international art scene, inspiring creativity for Filipino artists and fostering meaningful connections across borders through showcasing their artworks.