« Ugnayan sa Poblacion » is Taverne Gutenberg’s first international art residency program, which was held in October and November 2017 in the Philippines. Launched by French-Filipina designer and project director Maïa d’Aboville and international artist Henri Lamy, 4 international visual artists were sent from Lyon (France) to Manila, more specifically to Poblacion (Makati) where they were be offered accommodation and a working space open to the public by main sponsor Z Hostel. The artists worked together with several local partner groups involved with street children (NGOs, foundations & museums such as Project Pearls, Museo Pambata, Stairway Foundation, ACAY & Virlanie.

The artists’ mission was to promote and share art to make it accessible to Filipinos, and more specifically street children. Furthermore, this project aimed to reinforce ties between France and Philippines. From painting monumental outdoor murals, to giving out free art workshops to street-kids, creating exhibits, and working in public spaces. Due to the success of this program and thanks to the continuity of the partnership with Z Hostel, « Ugnayan sa Poblacion » has been ongoing ever since.

An important part of the project is the documentary which will be released around May 2018. It is a collaboration between French film director Simon Dubreucq & Filipino Media Production Company Sine de Oro.