Alelee Andanar’s artist residency program in Siargao includes local and global talent, enriching the island’s art scene with fresh perspectives and global exposure.
In the heart of the Philippine island of Siargao, a vibrant community of artists and creatives thrives. Alelee Andanar, an entrepreneur and philanthropist with a deep passion for the arts, supports this community.
Alelee Andanar has established a unique Artist Residency Program that invites foreign artists to experience Siargao’s rich culture and vibrant artistic community.
These artists immerse themselves in the island’s creative hub during their four to eight-week stay. They collaborate with local talent and contribute to the island’s artistic landscape.
This exchange boosts Siargao’s art scene and promotes global connections and recognition for the island’s artistic talent.
According to Alelee, the artist residency program is a two-way street. The program grants foreign artists an invitation to Siargao, and through the Siargao Artiste in Residence reciprocity program, local artists receive invitations abroad.
This cultural exchange benefits both communities, allowing local artists to gain exposure to different artistic styles and practices while sharing their unique perspectives with a global audience.
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The Chance Encounter
Lifestyle Asia asked Alelee Andanar to share how the Siargao Artiste in Residence program started. Alelee explained that the project began with her husband Martin, who is from Siargao.
During a trip to Lisbon, Portugal, they met several artists, including a Spanish artist named Juan Perdiguero Trillo.
Juan was fascinated by Siargao, and they were pleasantly surprised by his knowledge of the island. This encounter sparked the idea to bring Juan to the Philippines and specifically to Siargao Island.
They asked Juan if he would be interested in creating art that would benefit the community in Santa Monica, the location of the residency and Martin’s hometown.
Juan agreed enthusiastically and came to the Philippines, spending eight weeks in Siargao. “During his stay, he immersed himself in the local culture and community, using the island as his source of inspiration to create his art pieces,” Alelee said.
Beyond the Waves
We asked Alelee how her passion for supporting the creative community in Siargao began. She said, “My husband and I have always been passionate about the arts. We actively support local artists in the Philippines and have many friends who are artists.”
Alelee explained that they started the Siargao Artiste in Residence program to promote the island to foreign artists and a broader audience who often see Siargao solely as a surfing capital.
They wanted to highlight that the island is more than just a surfing destination; it has a rich cultural story and unique beauty. Siargao possesses a certain charisma that attracts many foreigners, and through their program, they aim to showcase this special allure.
Embracing the Unknown
Alelee shared that they invite foreign artists to stay on the island for a period of four to eight weeks. “The artists come and stay on their own, with the freedom to explore the island while doing their work,” she explained.
We asked Alelee about the challenges she faced with this endeavor. She acknowledged, “The challenges were significant. We had to put in a lot of effort to bring in the artists, which wasn’t easy. We had to find suitable accommodation, so we built a small place for them to stay. We’re also concerned about how they would adapt to the environment, as hosting foreign visitors can be challenging. Thankfully, the artists have been very adaptable. They integrated well with the community and the locals accepted them warmly. We are very happy that the artists were able to adjust so well to their new surroundings.”
Creating Art, Connecting Communities
When asked about success stories or significant milestones achieved by the creative community in Siargao, Alelee expressed her pride in the friendships and sense of belonging that the artists have developed on the island. Many artists have become an integral part of the community, being accepted not only as foreign artists but also as neighbors in Siargao.
One significant achievement Alelee highlighted is the construction of a 108-square-meter gallery. This gallery showcases the works of the artists who have participated in the residency program.
So far, four artists have visited the residency, and the gallery now serves as a space where their artworks are exhibited. The gallery is open to visitors, allowing people to appreciate the creativity and talent of these artists.
Art as a Bridge
Alelee is bringing foreigners to Siargao to inspire the local people and showcase the richness of Filipino culture. She wants to immerse others in the hospitality and beauty of the local community’s soul.
Looking ahead, Alelee plans to invite artists to teach art classes to children in the community. She envisions these sessions as opportunities for the children to experience art for the first time, learning about watercolor, paintbrush techniques, and the entire process of creating art.
Alelee emphasizes the importance of passion for those looking to support or get involved with creative communities. She believes that love and passion for the arts drive meaningful contributions to the community.
For Alelee, promoting Siargao and the Philippines through art serves both the local community and the broader goal of showcasing the island’s unique charm to the world.
Passion, Purpose, and Love
For the final question, we asked Alelee what true wealth and luxury mean to her.
“True wealth and luxury mean being able to share what you have and give back to the community. To whom much is given, much is expected in return, and I feel that’s pure luxury. Sharing everything, anything you might have, is the most important thing.”
Alelee explained that when you contribute something valuable to the community, no one can doubt or question your actions.
All photos courtesy of Alelee Andanar.
