Museo De La Salle Bacolod
The Museo De La Salle Bacolod houses the Jose Garcia Montelibano (JGM) Textile Arts Center, an international folk textile collection that takes pride in having textiles from more than 70 countries. Since its inception in 2012, it has been a dynamic university museum model, which remains accessible for learning, education, and research through its textile collection, promoting interdisciplinary, intersectoral collaboration within and outside the university, having worked with academic units and institutions and its local tourism office. It also encourages research utilizing its textile collection. Recently, an undergraduate thesis by education students highlighted the possibilities of the textile collection as a guidebook for Southeast Asian textiles. Despite the limitations of being a university museum, its resources remain relevant for the community as the textile collection not only mirrors diverse cultures but also promotes appreciation of the environment by acknowledging natural sources for its materials and dyes. The museum is an active member of the Western Visayas Association of Museums, a consortium of all museums in Western Visayas providing a network of support and collaboration to the region and its neighboring islands.
Explain in one sentence why you think the project you nominate is outstanding and could serve as an example for the entire community of modern and contemporary art museums.
Museo De La Salle Bacolod is an example of how a university museum should be in terms of learning - accessible, engages in knowledge production and circulation through research and public programming, strategic, collaborative, and devoted to the stakeholders and communities it promises to serve.
Explain why this practice or program is relevant and sustainable in creating meaningful and lasting connections with people, communities, and the museum context with a medium to long-term vision.
As someone who engages in pedagogical and learning practices in the arts and culture ecosystem, the museum serves as a conduit for learning, instruction, and research through the engagement and development of its publics. It has both consistent and developing linkages with institutions, local units, and communities.