UPD is steward to many artworks and heritage objects under the care of various units on campus. In 2017, the University Collection Mapping (UCM) project was developed with the goal of updating the 1986 inventory as published in the University Art Collection. The project was also mandated to expand the definition of the university collections beyond the fine arts, to include archeological and ethnographic materials, and selected heritage furniture that contains historical significance to the institutions and its functions.
The outputs of the project include a database that may be accessed by scholars, researchers, conservators, art managers, and art policy makers; and a publication, Adhika: Vision and Legacy (2020) which offers thematic essays reflecting on art history, public art, archaeological and ethnographic materials, and heritage furniture, as they pertain to objects that have functioned as a “teaching collection” used as a pedagogical tool in the early years on the university, becoming later on as part of the “university collections” anchored on institutional histories and disciplines. Moreover, the UCM project hopes to encourage research on these collections, and to promote interdisciplinary collaborations on the study of art and culture, through the lens of UP’s intellectual history.
For inquiries regarding the University Collections portal, please send an email to
In 2019, to commemorate the 70th year of the University of the Philippines’ move from its 10-hectare original site in Ermita, Manila to its 493-hectare campus in Diliman, Quezon City, an exhibit was held at the Bulwagan ng Dangal University Heritage Museum on February 15 to April 12 entitled Lupang Hinirang: Mga Kuwento ng Pagsasalugar ng UP Diliman. The exhibit was a project component of the UP Diliman Arts and Culture Festival in 2019. The faculty, students, alumni, and representatives of Barangay UP Campus and Barangay Krus Na Ligas contributed to the exhibit.
Through a combination of archival research, oral history methods, and installation art, the exhibit explores the contextual understanding of the relationship of history, people, site, structures, sound and material culture, serving as the basis of understanding UPD as an active heritage site.
UP Diliman is home to a vibrant art community in an environment with rich heritage and cultural memory. In the pursuit of academic excellence and honor, its faculty and students have committed to hone art practices that are anchored on art research, and interdisciplinal collaborations throughout the various disciplines.
The creative and critical atmosphere that have challenged the scholars of the nation have invariably produced award-winning artists in the visual arts, architecture, interior design, creative writing, theater, music, dance, cinema, and curatorship, among others. This is exemplified by the roster of the National Artists of the Philippines, wherein artists from UP Diliman have been honored, such as: Napoleon Abueva, Larry Alcala, Federico Alcuaz, Fernando Amorsolo, Benedicto Cabrera, Victorio Edades, Abdulmari Imao, Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, Cesar Legaspi, Arturo Luz, Vicente Manansala, Hernando Ocampo, Guillermo Tolentino, Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio, Ryan Cayabyab, Felipe de Leon, Kidlat Tahimik, Francisco Feliciano, Ramon P. Santos, Benedicto Cabrera, Bienvenido Lumbera, Resil B. Mojares, Ildefonso Santos Jr., NVM Gonzalez, Virgilio S. Almario, Andrea Veneracion, Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero, Jose Maceda, Lucio D. San Pedro, Antonino R. Buenaventura, Carlos P. Romulo, Jovita Fuentes, Francisca Reyes Aquino, Antonio Molina, Gemino Abad, Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, Ricky Lee, Agnes Locsin, and Tony Mabesa.
Art activities and cultural traditions have defined the UP campus. While some UP community traditions in the past have been discontinued, such as cadena de amor, hayride, and arbor day, other forms of cultural activities have gained popularity, such as the UP Fair and the Oblation Run. As cultural events, these activities have transformed with the times in terms of content and relevance to contemporary culture.
UP Diliman reinforces the creation of art and cultural activities that promote artistry and socially relevant projects by supporting the creative energies of its faculty, students, and staff. It sees the arts as closely integrated in both academic and community life of its constituency.
About UP Diliman (Community and Heritage)
UP Diliman Narratives of Place
In 2019, to commemorate the 70th year of the University of the Philippines’ move from its 10-hectare original site in Ermita, Manila to its 493-hectare campus in Diliman, Quezon City, an exhibit was held at the Bulwagan ng Dangal University Heritage Museum on February 15 to April 12 entitled Lupang Hinirang: Mga Kuwento ng Pagsasalugar ng UP Diliman.
UPD is steward to many artworks and heritage objects under the care of various units on campus. In 2017, the University Collection Mapping (UCM) project was developed with the goal of updating the 1986 inventory as published in the University Art Collection.
This program promotes the participation of UPD in cultural and artistic endeavors at the national, regional, and global arenas. It supports mutually enriching partnerships with the UP autonomous units and other cultural institutions through collaborative projects such as conferences, workshops, performances, and other forms of dissemination.
Strategies/Programs:
1. Financial Grants Program
Financial assistance is given to UP Diliman units and organizations for projects and programs relating to the broad field of culture and arts. These include but are not limited to cultural and artistic productions, exhibitions, educational workshops, and other artist-support programs. Grants take the form of partial subsidy and shall not exceed the total project cost.
