For the past decade, Xilium Professional Services has been consistent in helping the community, especially through efforts and engagements that promote the local art scene. In 2021, the Artists in Residence (AIR) Program was initiated to promote and immerse with the local Ilonggo art community. Following the success of the AIR Program, Xilium launched the Young at Art Program (YAP) early this year. YAP aimed to advance art appreciation and skills development for young, untrained artists.

The young artists-in-the-making, aged 12 to 17 years old, were invited to weekly art classes. They learned the basics of graphite, acrylic, watercolor, and digital arts as mediums for their creative outputs. Guest mentors from Artivism, an art organization in Iloilo City, led the series of Saturday workshops conducted physically in Xilium’s Headquarters in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. The sessions, including their art materials, were provided for free by the company.

After four months of classes, YAP is set to culminate through an exhibit of artworks made by young artists aptly entitled “YAP: An Exploration” on July 4 at the 2nd Floor, Asian Home Hallway, Festive Walk Mall, Iloilo City. The exhibit will be from July 4 to July 18. This simple exhibit hopes to showcase the results of the students’ exploration of different art mediums as well as highlight how they view the world through their art as young, hopeful individuals.

In the next few years, Xilium looks forward with enthusiasm to all that it can contribute to the growing Illongo art community – promoting, supporting, and helping one young mind at a time.