1 Million Books for 1 Million Filipino Children (1MB) is one of CANVAS' flagship programs which aims to increase the literacy of underprivileged Filipino children by providing them with enjoyable and informative books through collaborating with local authors and artists to produce unique picture and activity books.

The books often address important social issues such as human rights, climate change, and inclusivity, and are designed to encourage a love for reading. 

We have donated more than half a million to children, libraries, and communities across the Philippines and aim to surpass the 1 Million mark by the end of 2026.

1 Million Books for 1 Million Filipino Children Campaign

CANVAS works with the local creative community to advocate for children's literacy through promoting Philippine art & culture.

**CANVAS**, short for **The Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development**, is a non-profit organization based in the Philippines. Founded by Gigo Alampay in 2005, CANVAS aims to engage the creative community in promoting children's literacy, exploring national identity, and enhancing public appreciation of Philippine art, culture, and the environment. 

One of CANVAS' hallmark initiatives is the **"One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children"** campaign. Through this program, CANVAS collaborates with local artists and writers to create and distribute colorful, original picture and activity books to children in underprivileged communities across the Philippines. The campaign not only aims to provide children with their first books but also to foster a love of reading and creative thinking, which are crucial skills for personal development. 

CANVAS has also donated sets of its titles to hundreds of libraries and reading rooms throughout the country for shared use by these facilities' beneficiaries.

**CANVAS' Art for Development Program** is another significant initiative. This Program focuses on utilizing art for societal impact and discourse. Launched in 2009, the program showcases artworks from Filipino artists, graphic designers, and photographers on banners in accessible, pedestrian-friendly locations such as parks and university campuses. These exhibits are strategically placed to stimulate public engagement and discussion around various themes related to Filipino identity and contemporary social issues such as human rights and climate change.

**The program transforms public spaces into art galleries, making art both accessible and part of everyday life,** thereby promoting a broader public appreciation of art and its relevance to community and national issues. This approach helps to demystify art, making it more approachable for the general public, and serves as a tool for education and social change.

**CANVAS is currently working towards the development of its very own children's museum, called Tumba-Tumba Children's Museum of Philippine Art,** located in Ibaan, Batangas. This is envisioned to be an open-air museum comprised of several halls, art installations and other facilities on a rolling piece of land lined with mango trees; allowing art and green spaces to be more accessible to the public, especially children. The museum will reflect CANVAS’ belief in the power of storytelling, and the cross-cutting nature of human rights as central to children’s rights, as well as the other big issues of our times—climate change, and safety on the internet.  Providing opportunities for hands-on activities and collaborations with their peers, the museum will be designed to help children learn and develop their skills in empathy and independent thinking.  

CANVAS - The Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development

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CANVAS - The Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development

1 Million Books for 1 Million Filipino Children Campaign

CANVAS - The Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development

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CANVAS - The Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development