Tumba-Tumba: Stories and Spaces


As many kids now have their own gadgets, they must be taught about how to keep themselves safe on the Internet. This led the non-profit organization Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) to open the art exhibit Tumba-Tumba: Stories and Spaces.

This exhibit which aims to promote a safe internet world for kids was launched on 11 June. It will run until 30 July at the University of the Philippines (UP) Vargas Museum. 


Engaging art exhibit for children


UP Vargas Museum - muralThis mural shows kids the dangers they might encounter on the Internet
Image credit: CANVAS – Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development

To pique children’s curiosity, the colorful exhibit with easily digestible cybersafety tips and puzzles features interactive art installations based on two CANVAS-published activity books on children’s internet safety. 

Like the previous Tumba-Tumba exhibits, this also serves to show people CANVAS’ vision for a future children’s museum of Philippine art in the country.


Teaching children to be safe online


UP Vargas Museum - false informationThis art installation teaches kids that what they post online can be saved and shared with other people
Image credit: CANVAS – Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development

The art installations at the exhibit are based on the activity books #YouThink and Safe Space: A Kid’s Guide to Data Privacy authored by children’s book writer and CANVAS founder Gigo Alampay. These were part of the NGO’s One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children campaign in 2020.

UP Vargas Museum - good and bad sides of the internetThe good and the bad side of the Internet as seen through a 3D glass installation
Image credit: CANVAS – Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development

Similar to the books, the exhibit aims to teach kids about the importance of protecting themselves and their personal information online.


Reservations are required


To protect museum-goers from the Covid-19 virus, a reservation is needed to visit the exhibit. You can message CANVAS on their Facebook page or email them at [email protected] to make a reservation. Your reservation must be made 24 hours prior to your visit.

The UP Vargas Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, so make sure to schedule your visit on these days. Just note that, like most establishments, the museum is also closed on holidays.


Going to CANVAS’ UP Vargas Museum Exhibit


As a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the UP Academic Oval is still closed to cars. Visitors coming in their cars should then park near the Academic Oval and walk to the museum. 

To safely enjoy this interactive art exhibit with your family, remember to bring your face masks and face shields.

Jorge B. Vargas Museum & Filipiniana Research Center, University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Vargas)
Address: Roxas Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Tue–Sat, by appointment
UP Vargas Museum websiteFacebook page | Instagram

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Cover image adapted from: CANVAS – Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Developmentand CANVAS – Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development

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