Martha Atienza: Protecting the Culture and Livelihoods of Filipino Fisherfolk

Bit by bit, the people of Bantayan Island in the Philippines are being pushed out of their homes by development, loss of their livelihoods, and increasingly destructive typhoons. But Martha Atienza is determined to document the essential role that her community and these fisherfolk play in protecting the land and the sea, and contributing to the culture of the Philippines. Through her project “Tigpanalipod” (The Protectors), Martha Atienza is using art to protect her community. By engaging youth on the island to capture traditional fishing practices and culture on video, she will continue to help community members envision a better future for themselves, their island, and the surrounding sea. The 2023 Soros Arts Fellowship is centered around the theme of Art, Land, and Public Memory. Eighteen artists from around the world will create projects that propose bold solutions to address the climate crisis, reclaim and uplift indigenous knowledge, and imagine and build sustainable futures. Learn more: https://osf.to/3sqQEEG #OpenSociety #SorosArtsFellowship #Philippines #BantayanIsland #ClimateChange