ACAA Institutional Profile The text is taken from the ACAA official website, http://www.asianchristianart.

org In 1978 the Asian Christian Art Association was founded to encourage the visual arts in Asian churches. At that first consultation of artists in Bali, the aims of the Association were clearly stated, as follows: To encourage artists to express Christian concern through their art in an Asian context. To coordinate the activities of individuals and groups in Asian region who are working on indigenous art forms. To provide a means of communication and information. To work with churches, with the Christian Conferences of Asia and with other bodies seeking to witness to Christian faith in Asia. This association was the result of many dialogues between artists and theologians in Asia, in their encounters at various occasions. Theologians who appreciate the creative mind of the artists as expressed in their works have also inspired and helped artists in their theological reflections which are manifest in their paintings sculptures and dances. Conversely, many artists have also inspired theologians to be more creative in their theological thoughts and in their sermons. The Christian Conference of Asia has played a significant role in facilitating the birth of this very important ecumenical association of artists in Asia, which has enriched the ecumenical movement globally. In the last twenty years, many exhibitions have been held not only in various countries in Asia, but also in Europe, North America and Australia. Members have been assisted to exhibit their works nationally and internationally. ACAA has held earlier international consultations such as in Manila (Mt. Makiling Art Center) 1984 and in Hong Kong for women artists, September 1992. The magazine Image, published regularly by ACAA for 20 years, continues to receive appreciation from people and institutions around the world. It is a medium of communication between the members and a means of introducing the works of young artists. Many other publications and video productions have enriched the resources for creative and artistic reflection. As we move toward God's future, we also hope to continue enabling national networks of artists, theologians, and other people interested in the nexus between art and religion to strengthen, and where needed to build, communities so that all may learn from each other's experience of Christ and art in their different cultures. We also have a dream of establishing an Asian Christian Art Center where there will be regular exhibitions of the works of ACAA members and where various art seminars and workshops can be held regularly. We also hope to enlarge our membership to include our friends in the Pacific Islands, so that we will be enriched further by their creative contributions. Currently, the ACAA officers are: Emmanuel Garibay, Philippines - President Rev. Rod Pattenden, Australia - Secretary The Manila office of the ACAA is being run by Renato Aguila, executive director. Starting 2012, the ACAA's official magazine, Image: Christ and Art in Asia is being produced in

cooperation with the Ateneo de Manila University Fine Arts Programme and the Loyola School of Theology in the Philippines. We are also planning to establish other similar institutional partnerships both in ACAA's current host country and across the region. For more information, please contact: Ren Aguila Executive Director ACAA (+63)926 670 9759 renpaul@gmail.com