New Panama cultural group

The newly formed Panama Artists Collective Foundation (PAC) is presenting its first original production this October as a pre-launch fundraiser.

Over 40 local musicians, artists, actors and dancers are involved in the show which will be performed at the historic Anita Villalaz Theater in Casco Viejo.

Set in the present day here in Panama, Strangely Familiar tells the story of young Panamanian composer, Marie, who is building an amazing invention called an optophonic piano for her upcoming production.

The piano does more than play light when it starts to channel unseen musicians and sends Marie on a quest to find out the cause of all the strange visits. Full of tall-tales, ghost stories, and wacky characters, Strangely Familiar is a story that appeals to anyone and everyone who knows and loves Panama.

The show will be performed on Oct. 23 & 24 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday 25 at 5:00 p.m.

Panama has an incredible amount of artistic talent but funds seem to elude it and leave this untapped source of development untouched. There has been a lack of funds devoted directly to identifying and developing local talent.

PAC is seeking the support of founding sponsors to devote the foundation towards promoting and supporting youth and individuals that create original work in all art disciplines.

The foundation will be launched in Panama City in 2010.

Anyone can become a member of PAC.

There will not be a membership fee for artists; instead, artists are asked to “give back” by hosting an educational event, program or workshop for youth or their fellow artists once a year. They have use of the space in Casa Arias for these events by signing up with the staff member in charge of scheduling.

Kimberly Hall and Gale Cellucci , are the co-founders of this new art organization and they aim to directly support independent artists of all disciplines; musicians, actors, dancers and visual artists here in Panama for exhibits, productions, live performances and concerts, through grants, sponsorships and fundraisers.

The foundation will also create education programs that encourage youth to create and perform their own original works as well as leadership and education programs and support and promote other arts foundations and businesses in Panama that work in youth leadership and emerging artists in Panama.

The first Board will be elected in the first quarter of 2010.

Get involved by contacting PAC at pacpanama@gmail.com, tel: 6764-0784.