Catriona Gray marks 5th year as NCCA Ambassador; Arts Month 2024 activities released

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is marking this 2024 her fifth year as an Arts Ambassador for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

This as the NCCA prepares to commemorate the 2024 edition of its primary program for National Arts Month (NAM) this February.

At a press conference held in Metropolitan Theater last January 23, Gray renewed her message about National Arts Month as more than just a love letter to the Philippines.

"Let us extend that hand of invitation as we celebrate the arts this year," said Catriona, acknowledging that there remains discouragement and lack of security when it comes to pursuing the arts.

The beauty queen, however, stated the Philippines has come a long way in terms of exploring individual crafts, allowing one's talent to shine further.

"The arts are essential, the arts are a way of communicating," Catriona added. "It's a vessel that is not contained to the pages of a book, allowing us to share our history and culture in ways that connect across languages."

Catriona ended by reiterating she has longed appreciated the arts, an aspect she shares with many Filipinos because of how deeply personal it can be.

WATCH: Miss Universe 2018 and NCCA Arts Ambassador Catriona Gray (@catrionaelisa) gives her message for the upcoming National Arts Month 2024 celebrations this February. @PhilstarShowbiz @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/6LEIhHCe1k

The theme of NAM 2024, which this year marks its 33rd anniversary since the issuance of Presidential Proclamation No. 683, is bannering "Bayang Malikhain" along the long-running tagline "Ani ng Sining."

NCCA Chairman Victorino Manalo said the theme was meant to emphasize the role of communities, "Hindi makakagawa ng sining ang isang artista kung hindi dahil sa pag-aruga ng kanyang komunidad."

Broken down, the "Bayang Malikhain" find its roots in collective human imagination, seeing a Filipino society placing importance on innovation and artistic expression in composing its identity and progress.

Among the goals of NAM 2024 are channelling the creative energies of artists toward nation-building, synergizing the arts into live of diverse populations and communities, and