Kultura presents Paniniwala: Acts of Faith

Stop by the AGO October 5 during our Free Wednesday Nights and experience Paniniwala: Acts of Faith – a transcendent experience of live music, storytelling and dance that challenges colonial legacies of conquest, domination and Catholicism through Filipino-Canadian artistic expression. Paniniwala: Acts of Faith is presented by Kultura, an arts and culture festival by Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture.

Marie Sotto, the artistic director of Kultura, gives us the lowdown on the festival, what it is and what visitors can expect to see during the upcoming performance in Walker Court. 

AGOinsider: We’re excited to have you perform at the AGO! For those who may be unfamiliar, what is Kultura?

Sotto: Kultura is an arts and culture festival celebrating innovative artistic expressions and explorations of the Filipino-Canadian identity through live performance, food, music, visual art and dance. It’s energized by cultural pride and powered by community. It captivates the broader Toronto public as a dynamic intersection of arts and culture. Kultura is presented by Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture, which is a multiple award-winning grassroots organization in Toronto/Tkaronto that uses arts and culture to critically engage Filipino/a/x youth and their meaningful role in society. Drawing inspiration from Kultura Filipino Arts Festival from previous years, Pasko sa Kultura returns this winter to showcase visionary artwork, groundbreaking digital new media, musical performance and dance featuring award-winning local talent, and the most beloved Filipino foods and delicacies.

Photo courtesy of Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture.

AGOinsider: What can AGO visitors expect to see during the performance Paniniwala: Acts of Faith on October 5 in Walker Court?

Sotto: Visitors can expect to see live musical performances, including a musical set that features a pre-colonial Filipino instrument, powerful storytelling and artful dance. Paniniwala is intended to challenge colonialism and Catholicism through Filipino-Canadian artistic expression, while simultaneously exploring meanings of faith and belief, home and personal identity. And ultimately, a celebration of our culture, our heritage and our community. 

AGOinsider: What do you hope people take away from experiencing the performance?

Sotto: The hope is that this experience of live performance awakens a sense of awe. We hope that the performances inspire a sense of pride. After years of the pandemic, we recognize that Filipino/a/x are longing for community, for a sense of togetherness. We hope that people can feel a sense of shared humanity by sharing this experience and ultimately come away feeling enlivened and uplifted.  

Any upcoming programs by the organization you want to share with our readers?

Sotto: On November 13, join us at Ada Slaight Hall for the Filipino arts and culture winter festival celebration, Pasko Sa Kultura! It will include visionary artwork, groundbreaking digital new media, musical performance and dance featuring award-winning local talent, and the most beloved Filipino foods and delicacies.

Learn more about Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts and Culture at  http://www.kapisanancentre.com/.