Tsismosas Art Collective
oRGANIzATION: Tsismosas
events: art shows, community art markets, workshops
date: 2022-2025
role: co-founder
The Tsismosas is a collaborative group of six Filipina artists based in NYC (Lenapehoking-occupied land), each with diverse artistic backgrounds, our mission is to empower, inspire, and shed light on the often marginalized narratives, struggles, and histories of AAPI/BIPOC communities through art exhibitions, inclusive community gatherings, and innovative creative initiatives.
Drawing from our cultural heritage, "Tsismis" reflects a tradition rooted in our colonial past under Spanish rule, where women convened to exchange community news, stories, and rumors, as a way to socialize, exchange information, and bond with others. While loosely translated as "gossip" in English, within the Filipino culture, it holds nuances of both playful banter and societal stereotypes. Embracing the moniker of "Tsismosas," we reclaim the narrative by creating art that sparks dialogue and dismantles taboos within our diaspora, catalyzing conversations around subjects that are frequently left unspoken, overlooked, or are in need of redefinition.
As co-founder and Logistics lead, I led the group’s bi-weekly meetings, organized timelines, led communications with guest artists and vendors, and ensured the day-of success of events by managing run-of-show schedules.
What I loved about my time in the Tsismosas was being able to establish the presence of Filipina artists based in the Tri-State area.
The filipino culture is more readily acknowledged through food culture and it is commonly accepted that filipinos are gifted in the arts— however, it is not culturally accepted to pursue the arts due to the belief that it is an “unstable” career choice. In opening art shows and community events up to the public, I believe that we have established that filipino artists are here and thriving.
