Oranjestad — RBC Royal Bank’s Art Rules Aruba Kicked off in full capacity with a record number of applicants, 270, on Saturday, confirming local youth love for Arts Education!
In 2010, The Pancake Gallery Foundation, with twin sisters Ira and Ayra Kip at the helm, started offering an educational Art program during the summer months. That same program, Art Rules Aruba is now celebrating its 5th anniversary.
Over the course of the last four years, the program has seen more than 600 young aspiring artists, all local teenagers between the ages of 13 and 26, who possess a passion for the Arts and the will to develop personal talents. Since 2010, Art Rules Aruba has brought more than 54 international artists and teachers from around the world to the Island to teach art in several disciplines. Starting with 6 disciplines 5 years ago, Art Rules has since grown into offering 9 art disciplines including Dance, Theater, Creative Media, Fashion, DJ, Rap & Poetry, Street Art, Music & Performance and Culinary Arts.
In celebration of the lustrum, a new workshop titled “Art Rules Junior” was added to the program specifically offered to the 9 to 12 year olds.
Here to present the 1st liberal arts program on the island, offering the opportunity to experience several disciplines over the course of the program, Art Rule Aruba introduced all new and returning teachers to students at a street happening on Saturday evening.
Art Rules Aruba kicked off on July 5th at Cas Di Cultura with an outdoor block party, and a press conference, with brass band music, and the live performance of the Soul Sisters, a group of talented local teens. The Mexican truck pulled up to feed students, parents and teachers, with delicious tacos, and a giant cake donated by Caribbean Bakery Supplies served as dessert, cut by banker Pierre Raffini and the Kip sisters.
Sponsors such as RBC Bank, the Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino, Hertz Rent a Car, and others, were in the proud crowd, welcoming Art Rules Aruba back to the island.
Art Rules Aruba will close with a “Tasting Competition” in collaboration with Aruba Marriott on July 17th introduced by the Culinary Arts Students, followed by the final showcase of all students at Cas di Cultura on July 18th. Tickets for the final showcase will be available from July 8th at Cas di Cultura.
After the closing of the program, The Pancake Gallery will make a swift transition to Curaçao as it will be debuting Art Rules Curaçao on July 21st. This is the first step in expanding the program in the Caribbean region, which has become the goal for its founders with the aim of advancing art education everywhere, including Surinam, for a possible Art Rules Paramaribo in the near future.
For more information on Art Rules, its past, present and future updates, visit www.artrlulesaruba.com or www.artrulescuracao.com or follow its social platforms via www.facebook.com/artrulesaruba @artrulesU on twitter and @artrulesflicks on instagram
