LIVING ACADEMY OF ARTS
“Where tHE ART is free.”
“Laya” is the Filipino word for “Free”. The “Living AcademY of Arts” (LAYA) is an inter-denominational and multi-cultural group of volunteer- artists within and without the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, Philippines.
LAYA’s Mission:
To enhance and develop creativity amongst inmate artists; to provide those gifted in the arts a channel to produce and perform; to educate in all fields of art; to inspire and generate hope through the expression of living art.
LAYA’s Vision:
By allowing for freedom of expression and the fruition of talent within Maximum Security, inmates are given the chance to live productively and enhance their knowledge of the arts. Art improves the mental and emotional condition of inmates, regenerating a sense of pride in what the individual is able to create for the good of society.
Through positive construction, we intend to restore hope in the lives of men in bonds. And through adopting programs which enable them to showcase their talent, we will work to inspire reformation and/or improvement in the individual.
To assist inmates in rehabilitation through the arts, LAYA conducts the following workshops bi-weekly:
· Theater Group (Performing arts, dance, stage, acting, choreography)
· Fine-Arts Group (Painting, photography, drawing, rendering)
· Literary Arts Group (Poets, playwrights, writers)
· Music Group (Bands, sound design, music productions) Each workshop is done with the goal of a staged performance, exhibition, or showcase of talent after a determined period of months.
An essential part of LAYA’s outreach involves bringing volunteer artists into the Maximum Security Compound, and enabling them to contribute their own talents in whatever field they may be gifted. Guest speakers inspire; volunteer teachers give classes. And by interacting with prisoners in a constructive and positive environment, they play a key role in the rehabilitation programs of the Bureau of Corrections.
LAYA seeks to capitalize the success of artists, whose works inspire and empower others through the realization of personal responsibility and guided values, encouraging potential artists to use their creative gifts to enhance the quality of life for themselves and others, regardless of status or environmental conditions.
We regard prisoners as human beings, each with a gift to give back. Their lifetime may be spent behind bars, and this is their reality. But through the participation of volunteer artists sharing their artistic talent and skills with LAYA group members, we hope to communicate that, in life, true freedom is only found within the chambers of one’s heart.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: Why devote time to prisoners and condemned criminals?
A: As Christian missionaries, we feel it is our duty to help the needy, regardless of race, culture, or social status. In the past 10 years of engaging in Prison Outreach ministries, we have seen many positive changes within prisons and institutions where the love of God is manifested in real and caring ways.
Q: Why do they look so happy in the Prison? Aren’t prisoners supposed to be suffering?
A: The culture of Philippine prisons is very different than the average idea of prison cells. From the media, we get pictures of bars, rigid confinement and uncontrolled chaos. If one were to step inside the Maximum Security of the Philippines today, one would find a little “barangay” or village in operation, complete with sports clubs and markets, a place where families are allowed extended visits and even overnight stays once a week. There is a certain social system, which has proved instrumental in giving inmates an alternative lifestyle, even within the compound. Although the circumstances are less than desirable, we try to help improve their current lives by offering constructive programs to inspire positivity. We believe that if we have helped to change even one life for the better, we have changed our part of the world, and have done what we could to make a difference.
Q: Who are the Volunteers for the LAYA Project?
A: The LAYA Project was started by Lamb of God Foundation and Our Life Outreach. We welcome anyone who has the desire to unselfishly help service the world through their time and talents. Because the LAYA Project revolves around the arts, we encourage artists and performers who have special interests in using their gifts to give back something positive to a place that needs it the most. We currently have a team of actors, artists, and people who want to have fun while serving!
Q: Isn’t it dangerous inside the Maximum Security Prison?
A: Of course, there is no safer place than in the Center of God’s Will. Because we know that this ministry is our calling and place of service, we feel secure in His Divine Protection. Still, we have never experienced any type of physical harm or danger all these years. Our efforts to help have been welcomed by the inmates, and friends inside have also seen to our safety and protection. We request your continued prayers, though, and are grateful for them!
Q: What about counseling services and other means of outreach inside the Prison?
A: We still conduct personal-counseling and prayer visits, besides the regular arts workshops. We bring spiritual and moral values into our classes, and encourage everyone involved to do so as well.
Q: How can I be a part of this work? What can I contribute?
A: In any way you wish! We need volunteers who can give their time and assist us as we go, plus donors who would like to sponsor transportation, food, and expenses of these trips (which are often 3x a week). As our workshops grow, we are in need of band equipment, theater props, art materials, etc. Please let us know how you would like to help. Together, let’s make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
