History
Kulintang Arts, Inc. popularly known as Kularts, was founded in 1985 by Robert L. Henry, Marcella Pabros, and Alleluia Panis to support the work of Kulintang Arts Ensemble (KAE), a ten-member music and dance company whose contemporary work was rooted in the indigenous traditions of the Pilipino people. In 1995, after a decade of successful concert seasons, creation of major works, recordings and international & national touring, KAE experienced a major crisis -- artist burn-out. Based on major planning and assessment, the organization was transformed into one of the leading presenters of works by American Pilipino and Philippines-based artists. More importantly, Kularts expanded both its educational programming and its mentorship role in developing emerging and established artists. Today, under the leadership of Executive and Artistic Director Alleluia Panis, Kularts continues to perform a key role in the shaping of contemporary Pilipino cultural identity and community.
Specialties
Kularts is the premier presenter of contemporary and tribal Pilipino arts in the United States. We are a non-profit arts organization based in San Francisco, California. Our mission is to inform and expand the understanding of American Pilipino culture and preserve the spirit and integrity of ancient Pilipino art forms. We produce innovative artistic works; foster mentorship among emerging and established artists; facilitate local and international collaborations; design and implement educational outreach programs for elementary through college age students; lead cultural tours to the Philippines; and more. Learn more about Kularts at our website: www.kularts.org