The Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) is an organization of Philippine artists and cultural workers. It is committed to advancing freedom of expression and the people’s movement for justice, nationalism and democracy during this time of heightened attacks against our rights.
CAP began with the Free the Artist, Free the Media Movement against state censorship in February 1983. This campaign united over 500 Philippine artists and media workers against the dictatorial regime of President Ferdinand Marcos and its plan to expand the powers of the Board of Censors. A public meeting on July 9, 1983 of personalities and organizations from different fields of arts and culture led to the formation of CAP on August 31, 1984 during its first General Assembly in Manila, Philippines.
After the first EDSA (People Power) revolt, CAP mobilized artists to support freedom of expression and issues of grassroots sectors throughout the late 1980s until the demise of its founding chairperson, National Artist for Cinema Lino Brocka (1939-1991). CAP was revived amidst the socio-political unrest leading to the ouster of Pres. Joseph Estrada from office through the second EDSA revolt in January 2001.
Today, CAP continues to grow as an organization upholding art for the masses, freedom of expression, truth, justice, genuine cultural and national development, and the advancement of our rights and welfare. Our members and chapters represent an interface of artistic disciplines, generations, localities, and practices all working actively responding to and integrating with people’s movements.
Concerned Artists of the Philippines 