‘Art 2 Art’ wins CMMA for Best Educational Radio Program

Art 2 Art—hosted by prima ballerina Lisa Macuja and aired over dzRH every Sunday 3:30 to 4 p.m.—was recently recognized by the 2009 Catholic Mass Media Award (CMMA) as Best Educational Program in the Radio Category during rites held at the San Carlos Seminary Auditorium in Guadalupe, Makati City.

The episode that earned Art 2 Art a trophy in that category was one honoring National Artist Arturo Luz, where art critic and author Cid Reyes discussed Luz’s artistic style, his evolution into a multi-media artist covering painting, sculpture and design, as well as his continuing contributions to the development of art in the country.

“This recognition inspires us all the more to continue with our advocacy to raise art awareness through our program. As our motto underscores, what we bring to our listeners nationwide is ‘Usapang sining at kultura para sa lahat,’” enthuses Macuja.

Art 2 Art, which is produced by the Manila Broadcasting Company, has become a Sunday afternoon habit for art and culture enthusiasts all over the country. Using an “info-tainment” format, it showcases Macuja interviewing personalities from various disciplines in the arts—music, theater, dance, literature, visual arts, film, music and allied fields such as design, culinary arts and fashion.

One of the radio program’s unique features is a monthly tribute to one of the country’s National Artists in an attempt to bring closer to the people the stellar examples of individuals who have attained the country’s highest honors in the arts, but most of whom came from humble beginnings. Among the National Artists who have personally sat down for interviews with Macuja are Virgilio Almario, Bienvenido Lumbera, Napoleon Abueva, Eddie Romero and Salvador Bernal.

“Our guests talk about the struggles and challenges they have faced, and also the passion that has seen them through the difficulties and made them persist and thrive in the arts,” Macuja stresses. “We hope that listeners are able to learn lessons and gain inspiration from the stories shared by the many artists who have been with us on Art 2 Art.”

Last year, the show also won a CMMA Special Citation in the Best Educational Program on Radio category.