A lifelong patroness of the arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ new president has always been appreciative and mindful of various art forms and their power to inspire, mirror a people’s hopes and aspirations and instill in them national pride.
By IVY LISA F. MENDOZA
When Kaye C. Tinga was appointed president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) sometime last year, some may have considered it an unexpected choice. With a background that spanned banking, business, fashion and charity, Kaye’s eclectic experience seemed unconventional for a role traditionally identified with individuals deeply entrenched in the world of arts and culture.
But as her journey at the CCP unfolds, her selection appears not just fitting, but transformative. Her desire to support Philippine arts and the Filipino artist in a meaningful way guides her.
“I have always been a patron of the arts,” Kaye shares, reflecting on her new role, “and being here at CCP truly felt like a way to give back to the arts that have enriched my life up until now. My philosophy with the CCP is that everything we do should be in the service of making Filipino arts flourish. Whether it’s contemporary art, traditional art, visual or performing, it is our duty to ensure that it grows and blossoms.’’
A legacy of giving
While she may not have taken a strictly arts-oriented career path, Kaye’s experience in spearheading impactful charitable events and managing her lifestyle brand has uniquely equipped her to steer CCP into a new era of outreach and cultural engagement. She admits that she developed a greater appreciation not only for the arts, but also for the efforts that artists must put into their work because of her continuous interaction with people from fashion and lifestyle.
For instance, Kaye, together with fellow philanthropist and high society influencer Tessa Prieto, has been organizing the Red Charity Gala for 14 years now. It is staged, not just to showcase the creations of some of the best Filipino fashion designers, but more so, to champion charity and worthy causes. The Philippine Red Cross is a perennial beneficiary.
Kaye views events like these not just as social gatherings, but also as platforms where the arts and compassion converge. “Through the Red Charity Gala, we’ve been able to support and uplift Filipino communities in need, all while promoting Filipino artistry. It’s a powerful blend of causes close to my heart,” she says.
As managing director and founder of W/17, a home furnishings brand that works with artists and craftsmen from all over the Philippines, Kaye has built her career on bridging creativity with commerce. Her experiences in both the corporate world and the arts have also influenced her approach to leadership at CCP. “My banking experience allows me to take a more critical eye towards the logistics and finances of the Cultural Center,” she notes.
Engaging a new generation of art lovers
Kaye’s goals for CCP reflect a commitment to nurturing both traditional and modern Filipino art forms, seeing CCP as a place where heritage and innovation intersect. “Both traditional and contemporary arts act as a lens by which to express our spirit as Filipino people,” she explains. “So long as we cultivate the passion of all manner of artists, CCP will always be a space where Filipino culture, past and present, can flourish.’’
Specifically, she envisions a CCP that connects more deeply to a younger, more digital-savvy audience, a move she sees as essential for the institution’s future.
“There is both a challenge and opportunity in integrating social media into our development and marketing flow,” she says, acknowledging the need to reach a generation that engages heavily through online platforms. “For a generation who has grown up with social media and short-form content, being able to reach them requires that we meet them halfway. We must allow a whole new audience to get sneak peeks and windows into what goes on behind the scenes of everything we make.’’
To that end, she has introduced initiatives that provide glimpses into CCP’s creative processes, making the arts more accessible and engaging for audiences who may be experiencing them for the first time.
The CCP Young Scholars Program, for one, is a project she is particularly proud of, as it provides financial support to young Filipino artists. “The program gives young artists the peace of mind to focus on honing their craft without the burden of financial stress,” Kaye says, once again underscoring her dedication to fostering the next generation of Filipino talent.
Bringing Filipino art to the world
While local engagement remains a top priority, Kaye also envisions CCP as a platform for Filipino artists to achieve international recognition.
“The CCP is in a good position to foster strong relationships with artistic institutions and foundations worldwide,” she observes. Continuing the efforts of those who have come before her, she is focused on strengthening cross-cultural exchanges that could see Filipino artists train and perform abroad, showcasing their talents on a global stage.
“We want the world to see the caliber of Filipino artists, and for Filipino art to inspire just as much as it is inspired by the global art community,” she explains.
A lifelong lover of arts and culture, Kaye’s relationship with the arts has evolved. She now regards art not only as something to be enjoyed, but also as a means by which emotions and intentions are conveyed across generations.
A particularly moving moment for her was watching her daughters perform in the ballet Sleeping Beauty at CCP’s Little Theater several years back. This experience not only reaffirmed her commitment to the arts, but also highlighted the importance of exposing young people to artistic experiences.
“Seeing them on that stage, I understood more than ever why it’s crucial to introduce children to the arts
early. Art is not just an appreciation; it’s an experience, something you carry with you,” she recalls
On the home front, balancing her role as CCP president with family life has its challenges, but Kaye finds solace in quiet moments with her husband, Freddie, and their children, watching movies or enjoying their company at home. “After a long day, it’s these simple, grounding moments that help me recharge and stay connected to what matters most,” she shares.
Making a lasting impact
For Kaye, her tenure at CCP is about creating a legacy that champions Filipino art in all its forms, both domestically and internationally. In the coming years, she hopes CCP will serve not only as a guardian of Filipino arts, but also as a cultural ambassador.
“We are stewards of the performing arts and the largest collection of modern Filipino art in the country,” she states. The planned full exhibition of CCP’s art collection, following the completion of building renovations, will be one of many initiatives aimed at increasing public access to Philippine art.
Kaye’s story is a testament to her belief in the power of art to bridge communities, inspire young minds and forge a national identity that is both resilient and evolving. Thanks to her unique blend of social influence, business acumen and unyielding passion for the arts, she is both preserving and reshaping the role of CCP in ways that promise to resonate for generations.
“The CCP safeguards our national cultural identity while not dictating it. We are not here to prescribe or presume the ways in which our culture should be expressed. Instead, we are stewards of the traditional arts and cultivators of the contemporary. It is important for us to use resources while encouraging the artistic growth and outreach of the company, and creating greater awareness of our contemporary culture and artistic heritage with the modern generation,” she concludes.
Photography by RAP YU
Art direction by DEXTER FRANCIS DE VERA
Shot on location at W/17 La Fuerza Plaza, Makati City
