On April 24, following his talk “Sustaining One’s Art Practice, Sustaining Communities” at Joya Gallery under Himoan Shared Spaces, UP Diliman College of Fine Arts Dean Toym Imao was toured through the facilities assigned to the Studio Arts Program by Studio Arts faculty and the Himoan Coordinator.
The visit opened space for a grounded assessment of current conditions, identifying key needs and persistent pain points across studios and work areas. From spatial limitations to safety concerns, the walkthrough underscored a shared urgency: that shared learning in Studio Arts must be supported by facilities that are not only functional, but safe and responsive to the realities of artistic production; that these needs must come first before optics.
As conversations moved forward, the goal remained clear to the group. There is a need to repair the physical environments where our students learn, make, and grow, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with the demands of contemporary studio practice.
The conversation continued over lunch, where Dean Imao inspired Studio Arts faculty by sharing his vision for the UP Diliman College of Fine Arts, plans for curricular and operational expansion and long-term strengthening. He spoke of ongoing efforts in program development, alongside pathways for deeper collaboration across the UP System and the wider community. He also reflected on his current initiatives as Chair of the UP President’s Committee for Culture and the Arts, situating these within a broader agenda for cultural leadership and institutional growth.