Dreaming of
Tumba-Tumba
A vision for a
children’s museum of philippine art
Situated in a 15,000 square meter piece of Batangas land, Tumba-Tumba will be a creative space for Philippine art, established by the Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development (CANVAS).
Tumba-Tumba will be comprised of the Children’s Museum of Philippine Art, and CANVAS’ Artist in Residence (AiR) facilities.
It is designed to inspire and to trigger imagination. Both for visitors of the Museum and its surrounding gardens, and for resident artists, it will evoke the sense that there is no beginning, and no end – only exploration and wonder.
The Museum will be anchored by CANVAS’ permanent art collection. Exhibitions will be carefully curated to be memorable and interactive, engaging children of all ages to see art as vehicles for storytelling, understanding history, exploring contemporary social issues, as well as helping more mature visitors to reconnect with their younger, more carefree selves.
an idea for a MOBILE museum
CANVAS also likes to explore ideas and possibilities to make art and issues more accessible, especially children in public schools and disadvantaged communities who may not have many opportunities for creative learning. The idea of developing a thematic mobile museum that could be installed for extended periods in various communities and venues is one of them.
Children's rights would have been the first theme, and a prototype had been ordered before the pandemic struck. Other themes we are developing include climate change, history, and wordless storytelling.
The Karapat Dapat Mobile Mini Museum is inspired by the book Karapat Dapat: Bata, alamin ang iyong mga karapatan (2018). Similar to the book, the mobile mini-museum aims to raise awareness and support children’s rights based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Meant to be portable and replicable, the mobile-mini museum is generally shaped as a rectangular box approximately 8 x 4 feet with extendable panels. Each panel will have different features that invite children to interact with the mobile musuem using their different senses (sight, sound, touch).
The Karapat Dapat Mobile Mini Museum stimulates the child’s imagination and provides affirmation while helping children (and adults) learn about their rights.
Through these mobile mini-museums, we hope to tap into children's natural curiosity and need for exploration. Learning would then not only be interactive, but also a social experience as children view the exhibitions together and immediately converse with their peers.
COVID-19, unfortunately, is now giving us an extra challenge. Safety needs and protocols now require us to reevaluate this idea, and be even more creative about our approach. We will continue to brainstorm and observe developments, but for now, all we can say is, “Challenge accepted!”
Features
The prototype mobile museum would have been made up of several panels that fold into a box-like structure approximately 8 feet in height. It highlights various children’s rights, especially those of relevance to the Philippine context, through 11 unique and creative features that children can interact with. These are:
1. Karapat Dapat Diorama (KKK: Karapatan, Kabataan, Kinabukasan)
The diorama is a main feature and serves as a palpable tie to the book on which the mobile mini-museum is based. The three-dimensional rendition of this ideal landscape offers the viewers an uplifting interpretation of children at their best.
2. Visions of Hope (Sulyap at Salita)
Underneath the diorama, at least eight (8) circular peepholes are cut into the panel. Through this, children can view words of affirmation, encouragement, and positivity (e.g. Kaya mo yan!).
3. Sounds of Solidarity (Karapatan Pakinggan)
Colorful pipes drop down serving as makeshift speakers from which children can listen to the rights of the child being spoken by fellow-children via a recording. Hearing these words from other children, rather than adults, is also meant to evoke a sense of solidarity.
4. Looking Glass (Ang Iba-ibang Ako!)
The acrylic panel features different images for the child to “play dress-up” by standing in front or behind it. Photos can be taken against this background and allows the children to see themselves in different ways that can be fun and imaginative.
5. The Safe Path (Ang Ligtas na Daan)
A simple maze is attached vertically to a wall panel with the objective of guiding the child’s icon so that it avoids the different dangers and gets home safely. The idea springs from the child’s right to protection from all forms of harm. The child can control the movement of the icon by simply pushing it thorugh the paths. The maze also serves as a kinetic sculpture.
6. Circles of Life (Paikutin ang Iyong Mundo!)
Two wheels are attached to the panel which children can spin. One wheel features different talents and skills (Magaling ako/ Kaya ko…). The other wheel shows different kinds of professions that children can aspire to (Paglaki ko...). This provides encouragement and helps children visualize possibilities for the future.
7. Caged Bird (Palayain sa Hawla)
This serves as a reminder that children should not be subjected to cruel or harsh punishment.
8. Up, Up, and Away (Gaano Ako Katangkad?)
A colorful height chart is painted on the panel so that children can measure themselves. It is also one way of discovering something about themselves/ their body. The chart goes up to 6 feet.
9. I See Me (Ako Ito!)
The mirror reflects the child’s image and identity. Like the height chart, it reflects and affirms the child’s physical presence in this world.
10. Haven (Kanlungan)
Springing from the idea of a playhouse, this feature serves as a haven or shelter painted with a colorful interior. It is purposely made low to accommodate children and symbolizes a safe space for them where they can rest, seek shelter while viewing the outside world, or simply hide if they preferred.
11. Say What? Survey (Anong Say N’yo?)
The marquee signboard will contain changing questions that children can answer with a simple “yes” or “no”. It helps both children and adults think about the questions and their answers and can be a good tool in revealing children’s thoughts and ideas, acting as a sort of social weather survey. Below the marquee will be a space where “respondents” can place stickers to signify their answers. At the end of a specified period, (e.g. 1 week) a new question can be posted and a new survey is taken.
The panels of the mobile mini-museum will also be painted with images and scenes inspired by the book.