Gag-ay: In Pursuit of the Cordilleran Art and Soul
This program immerses U.S. performing arts, creative writing, and cultural studies students in the living artistic traditions of the Philippine Cordilleras. Hosted by the University of the Cordilleras (UC) in Baguio City — a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art — this program bridges academic engagement with hands-on artistic collaboration, offering a critical look at how indigenous creative practices sustain identity and community in the Global South.
10 nights / 11 days (2-week engagement model)
Interest in performing/creative arts or cultural studies; adaptability for shared dormitory living and immersive fieldwork; valid travel medical insurance
UC Campus (Baguio City), Tam-awan Village, BenCab Museum, Museo Kordilyera, Ili-likha
Program Highlights
Creative City Hub
UC sits at the center of Baguio’s identity as a UNESCO Creative City, giving direct access to the city’s weaving, woodcarving, music, dance, and visual arts communities.
Co-Creation Model
Unlike observation-based tours, the program pairs visiting students with UC counterparts for peer-to-peer artistic collaboration, culminating in a jointly produced showcase performance.
Cultural-Academic Integration
Combines lectures on Cordilleran worldview, indigenous groups, and creative industries with studio workshops in theater, music, dance, media arts, and visual crafts.