ArtDialogo Asia 2025 Recap: Art, Heritage, and Global Partnerships Across Cultures

In 2025, Artdialogo Asia strengthened its commitment to arts, culture, and diplomacy by creating platforms that brought communities together across Asia and Europe. Through exhibitions, workshops, festivals, and educational exchanges, the year highlighted how creativity becomes a shared language—bridging identities, generations, and nations.

Siningskwela 2025: Strengthening Philippines-Malaysia cultural ties in line with Malaysia's ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship

Putrajaya, Malaysia | February 2025

Siningskwela 2025 in Putrajaya brought together students, educators, and facilitators from the Philippines and Malaysia in a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and education. Co-organized by IYC and Artdialogo Asia, the program gathered over 150 participants through creative workshops, traditional Filipino games, performances, and collaborative art-making.

Aligned with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, the initiative highlighted the importance of cultural and educational cooperation in strengthening regional ties. More than a celebration, Siningskwela 2025 served as a meaningful platform for nurturing mutual understanding, shared heritage, and unity among the next generation—reflecting the collective vision of a more connected and harmonious ASEAN community.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CG1QwnMfu/

Beijing, China: Art, Heritage, and Filipino Excellence on the Global Stage

Embassy of the Philippines & International Art Exhibitions | May 16–20, 2025

A cross-cultural art program at the Philippine Embassy in Beijing brought together Chinese and Filipino participants for an afternoon of artistic dialogue and heritage exchange. Welcomed by Ambassador Jaime Florcruz, the program highlighted the enduring friendship between the Philippines and China and underscored the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening people-to-people relations.

Led by Artdialogo Asia’s founding artist Anna Karina Jardin, the session explored themes of identity, heritage, and creativity—demonstrating that language is not a barrier to meaningful expression. Each artwork created became a reflection of shared values and unique cultural identities, reinforcing the spirit of bayanihan, mutual respect, and collaboration.

Extending this cultural exchange beyond the embassy, Ms. Jardin also represented the Philippines at two major international art exhibitions in Beijing from May 17–20, 2025. Her works, Luck Favors the Brave and Sequestered Pursuits, were showcased alongside artists from 12 countries, examining courage, free will, and the influence of nature and nurture. These exhibitions further amplified the global recognition of Filipino artists and affirmed the Philippines’ growing presence on the international art stage.

Source: The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, China

Rome, Italy: Siningskwela sa Roma

Philippine Embassy in Rome | July 11, 2025

SiningSkwela sa Roma brought Philippine art and heritage to Filipino youth in Italy. Led by Ms. Jardin, the workshop engaged children, educators, and community members through drawing and collage activities centered on Philippine national symbols.

Supported by the Philippine Embassy in Rome, the program fostered cultural pride among second- and third-generation Filipinos, reinforcing that heritage is sustained through education, creativity, and shared stories.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C6JuiP7SJ/

Latvia: Strengthening Global Art Education Partnerships

April 14, 2025

Artdialogo Asia sealed a partnership with ArtSchool LV and the foundation Children Are Painting the World, celebrating the opening of the first international art school under the initiative in Latvia. The collaboration reflects a shared mission to make arts education accessible and impactful for young creatives worldwide.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1812LWaa1i/

SeniSkwela Davao, Philippines

August 7–11, 2025

SeniSkwela Davao continued Artdialogo Asia’s cross-cultural journey in 2025, offering another dynamic roster of creativity, learning, and exchange for educators and students. Through creative dialogues, art pedagogies, and hands-on workshops, the program promoted innovative arts teaching methods, cultural diplomacy, 21st-century skills, student well-being, and sustainable goals in education, inclusion, and peace.

As Malaysia prepared for its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, SeniSkwela Davao further strengthened Malaysia–Philippines bilateral ties by empowering educators and learners to inspire the next generation through the arts. Brought together by the Consulate General of Malaysia in Davao City, the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila, the Department of Education Region XI, Davao City LGU, and Artdialogo Asia—with support from Philippine Airlines and Big Bad Wolf Books—the program embodied the shared spirit of Madani and Bayanihan in every exchange.

Source: SENISKWELA 2025 - News From Mission - Consulate General of Malaysia, Davao City

Malaysia: Creativity for Inclusion

Rainbow in My Heart Art Competition | August 14, 2025

In partnership with the Rotary Club of Bandar Utama and Crayola Malaysia, Artdialogo Asia supported the 11th edition of the Rainbow in My Heart Art Competition. The initiative champions social inclusion by empowering differently abled children and individuals with special needs—demonstrating how creativity fosters unity under the theme “Unite for Good.”

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17M5A7jJAR/

Manila, Philippines: SeniSkwela

November 25, 2025

SeniSkwela Manila marked a major milestone under the SeniSikat: Malaysia–Philippine Art Festival. This cross-cultural initiative promoted Philippine–Malaysian ties through dialogues, workshops, and creative collaborations for students, educators, and creatives.

The program featured welcoming remarks from education leaders, diplomats, and Artdialogo Asia, followed by performances, panel discussions on transforming cultural expression into success, and hands-on activities. Students engaged in poster-making and mural painting inspired by Madani and Bayanihan, while educators participated in masterclasses on sustainability, cultural literacy, and creative pedagogy.

As emphasized during the event: “Diplomacy, at its heart, is the practice of understanding.”

SeniSikat: Malaysia–Philippine Art Festival

November 26–28, 2025

Derived from the words Seni (art) and Sikat (brilliance), SeniSikat culminated as a cross-cultural festival celebrating the shared creative journeys of Filipino and Malaysian artists and designers. Through art exhibits, fashion gala nights, and panel discussions, the festival explored the role of arts, culture, tourism, and diplomacy in strengthening ASEAN relations.

Featuring renowned creatives from both countries, SeniSikat underscored that creativity is not only expression—but leadership, dialogue, and community-building. Supported by diplomats, institutions, educators, and cultural partners, the festival highlighted accessibility, identity, and collaboration as key pillars for sustainable cultural exchange.

Source:

SENI SIKAT MALAYSIA - PHILIPPINES ART FESTIVAL OPENS AT CENTRO DE TURISMO INTRAMUROS - Home - Embassy of Malaysia, Manila

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MzPadQPhm/

Looking Forward

Artdialogo Asia’s 2025 journey reaffirmed that art is a catalyst for connection. From embassies and classrooms to galleries and public spaces, these initiatives demonstrated how creativity safeguards heritage, empowers communities, and shapes meaningful global partnerships.

As we move forward, Artdialogo Asia remains committed to creating inclusive platforms where art, culture, and education continue to inspire dialogue and build a shared, sustainable future.