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Kasaysayan

Remembering Lino Brocka:

The Artist as a Brave Vanguard

We honor the legacy of legendary filmmaker and activist Lino Brocka (April 3, 1939 – May 21, 1991). Brocka fiercely believed that an artist’s ultimate duty is to stand with the oppressed, the abused, and the dehumanized—whether using a pen, brush, or camera. Remembering his passing revitalizes our collective fight against repression. As his peers Bibeth Orteza and Pete Lacaba note, if Brocka were here today, he would still be leading the charge against injustice. Inspired by his courage, we continue to use art as an indispensable weapon for truth and resistance.

Pebrero 1983

Free the Artist

Free the Media Movement

Anti-Censorship Campaign

Defending the Freedom to Create: Our Roots

The Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) was born from a pivotal moment in our history: February 1983. As we navigate the complexities of art in a shifting landscape, we draw strength and purpose from our foundational struggle. As seen in the banner image, image_013f5c.jpg, this period was defined by a united front for three critical pillars: “Free the Artist,” the “Free the Media Movement,” and an unyielding “Anti-Censorship Campaign.” These are not just artifacts from the past; they are the values that continue to guide CAP in championing the artist’s role in society and fighting against all forms of suppression. We remain steadfast in our commitment to defend the freedom to create, the freedom to expression, and the freedom of information.

Hulyo 9, 1983

Public Meeting of Artists

The Historic Mobilization

A defining moment in the history of cultural resistance took place with the historic Public Meeting of Artists. This pivotal gathering marked the formal declaration of our collective stance against state oppression and censorship. It was here that cultural workers from all disciplines united under a singular, powerful banner to establish the Concerned Artists of the Philippines. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with workers on strike and the broader mass movement, our founders cemented a legacy that proved art cannot be divorced from the struggles of the people. This historic mobilization serves as our foundational blueprint: an enduring reminder that the Filipino artist’s place is always at the forefront of the fight for truth, justice, and genuine social change.

Hulyo 28, 1983

Unang Taunang Kumbensiyon ng CAP

On July 28, 1983, the Unang Taunang Kumbensiyon ng CAP (First Annual Convention of CAP) formalized the movement into an organized, enduring institution. This historic gathering established the organization’s official By-Laws and foundational identity under Article 1, declaring its official name as the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, Inc., and anchoring its local roots as the Katipunan ng mga Alagad ng Sining para sa Mamamayan. By dedicating its mission to the service of the Filipino people, this milestone solidified CAP’s structural commitment to cultural freedom and social justice.

POST EDSA 1

Naging ambag ng CAP sa pagkakatatag ng NCCA

In “The Winds of Change: 1986-1994”, Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson {December 2009) (included in Genesis 1, published by the Cultural Center of the Philippines), attested that Alliance of Artists for a Ministry of Culture (AACMC), convened by the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), had “hammered out” a proposal “for more than two months” after Pres. Corazon Aquino was sworn in as president in February 1986. The proposal, which covered the arts, cultural heritage, and cultural dissemination, served as a blueprint for the new agency that would later become the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Mayo 22,1991

Demise of CAP founder

Lino Brocka

National Artist for Film

The passing of Lino Brocka marks a profound moment of reflection for the nation and the global artistic community. As a visionary director, fierce activist, and the founding light of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), Brocka did not just make movies—he shaped the consciousness of a generation.

His courage to hold a mirror to society’s struggles cemented his place as a true National Artist for Film

2001

Ouster of Joseph Estrada

In 2001, the Concerned Artists of the Philippines once again took to the streets during a crucial turning point in the nation’s history—the Ouster of Joseph Estrada. Standing alongside the Filipino masses demanding accountability, the organization mobilized cultural workers to amplify the call for leadership change and systemic reform. As illustrated in the powerful artwork, the banner of CAP stood tall amidst a sea of protesters, demonstrating the enduring role of artists as active participants in political movement and social transformation.

Who Can Join?