Bacolod hosts int’l masks conference November 5-8

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – This city is hosting the 7th IMACO International Conference Nov. 5 -8, 2019 with more than 200 delegates from 17 countries.

Public Information Officer Danny Dangcalan on Nov. 3 said the theme of the conference is “Inside and Outside of Mask Culture: Masks, Practice, and Culture.”

IMACO stands for International Mask Arts and Culture Organization. It is a formal organization of mask-based festivals from 24 countries.

It was established in Andong, South Korea to promote and preserve the mask culture, Dangcalan said.

He also said that IMACO is holding the International Conference biennially (every two years) to interact with mask-based organizations, and provide an opportunity from representatives all over the world to unite and share various cultural values.

In 2017, at the 6th IMACO International Conference in Vientiane, Laos, Bacolod was chosen to host the 2019 conference.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia, accompanied by then Councilor Em Ang, signed a memorandum of agreement for Bacolod to host the next international conference slated this year.

Activities included World Mask Exhibition, Policy Forum, General Assembly and Academic Symposium, Special Guerilla Performances, and Tours.