As the Visayas Art Fair gears up for its 4th edition, we are proud to strengthen our strategic partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). This collaboration marks a pivotal chapter in our mission, presenting exciting opportunities for the continued growth and evolution of the event. In celebration of our 4th anniversary, we are committed to elevating the Visayas Art Fair to new heights, connecting artists, art enthusiasts, and the creative community from across the Philippines. The fair will take place from November 21-24, 2024, at Oakridge Business Park, our valued venue partner for three consecutive years. Together, we aim to create an inspiring environment that celebrates and showcases the rich artistic talents of the Visayas Region with those from Mindanao and Luzon.
The Visayas Art Fair: Connecting the Islands through Art has successfully showcased the region's diverse artistic expressions over the past three years. The event's success is a testament to the dedication of a skilled team led by the Chairwoman Lorenza “Laurie” Boquiren, ensuring a remarkable experience for both participants and audiences. Organized by the Cebu Culture, Art, and Design Foundation, the Visayas Art Fair continues to be a leading force in shaping and advancing the artistic and cultural landscape of the region.
The momentum of the Visayas Art Fair’s success is expected to continue contributing to the development and growth of creative industries in the Visayan region and all over the Philippines. The continued increase of artists and galleries participation is an indication to the abundance of creative talent across the islands.
The theme of this year’s Visayas Art Fair is “artistic diversity,” aiming to embrace the diverse and unique works of artists from across the islands and regions. From intricate paintings and contemporary installations, the art fair will exhibit a wide range of styles and media, offering something for every art lover. Workshops and interactive exhibits will allow visitors to engage directly with the creative process, turning the event into an immersive experience.
This year, the fair will be more than just an exhibition—it will be a gathering of visionaries and a demonstration of the Philippines’ artistic pulse. As the region's most anticipated cultural event, the Visayas Art Fair 2024 beckons everyone to witness a convergence of talent that blurs the lines between the traditional and the contemporary. With each artist bringing their unique perspective, the fair becomes a vibrant gathering of stories, emotions, and ideas—pushing the boundaries of what art can be.
The Visayas Art Fair 2024 will feature a range of exciting events and activities designed to showcase the diversity and richness of the region’s artistic and creative industries. The Art Exhibition at the 12th floor studio, running for four days, will be the centerpiece of the fair, featuring a wide array of visual arts in various formats and genres. Art from numerous galleries, collectives, and individual artists from the Visayas and Mindanao alongside selected galleries from NCR and International galleries from Malaysia
The creative installations featuring sculptures, street art, crochet bombs, and more will be scattered across the gardens of Oakridge Business Park, showcasing the rich heritage and culture of the Visayas. Collaboration will also be a key focus, with coordinated efforts aimed at fostering partnerships across various industries, demographics, including government sectors, academia, and private businesses.
The Visayas Art Fair is excited to introduce our collaborators for this year:
1. Kidlat Tahimik
National Artist and revolutionary film director Kidlat Tahimik, fondly called “Tatay Kidlat”, will be joining the Visayas Art Fair 2024. His films have received resounding praise for reflecting the beauty and realities of Filipino culture while inciting criticisms against the neocolonial of people’s everyday lives. Kidlat Tahimik is a multi-talented artist who directs, produces, and acts in his films, and is notable for his “kapa-kapa” method without a set structure, without scripts, and simply goes with the creative flow. As a stalwart figure who embodies authentic and traditional Filipino culture, he was rightly titled the “Father of Philippine Indie Cinema”.
Kidlat Tahimik will be sharing his wisdom and insights at the Visayas Art Fair 2024.
2. The Baylan of Mount Kalatungan
"The Baylan of Mount Kalatungan" is a captivating multimedia documentary-art display that takes viewers through a spiritual journey. It is a transcendent experience that features a carousel of illustrations, photos, and the documentary "Baradiya" by Filipino film director and multidisciplinary artist Gab Mejia, converging to create a truly immersive masterpiece. This display has sparked significant conversations surrounding Filipino tradition, the
preservation of nature, and the unseen communities of the Talaandig-Manobo clan.
Viewers are transported to Pangantucan, Bukidnon where the clan resides at the foothills of Mount Kalatungan. This natural landscape is a protected area legislated by UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, known for its biodiversity and unique landscapes. It is also home to revered deities and spirits that protect the community. The spotlight shines on the “baylan”, who are the shamans of Filipino ethnic groups that have faced for centuries the process and after-effects of colonialism. This exhibit highlights the perseverance of the baylan in present times, despite their declining numbers, and aims to bring their story to light.
The Baylan of Mount Kalatungan was recently launched at the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), and the Visayas Art Fair 2024 will have the honor of hosting this spectacular experience for its upcoming event in November.
3. James Doran-Webb
Hailed as one of the world’s leading sculptors, James Doran-Webb crafts magnificent and striking figures of animals through the carving and assemblage of repurposed and long dead wood, giving his creations a unique style and form. His works have been exhibited worldwide, most notably for respected construction companies such as Candy and Candy in the UK, Vanke in China, and Primary Structures in the Philippines.
His latest monument, “the Bearer of Infinite Blessings”, is a 6-meter tall water dragon created from driftwood and recycled materials. The sculpture is a demonstration of 12 months of meticulous work and was finally unveiled at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay at the beginning of the year to bring forth prosperity and renewal for the year. It will also be showcased at the Visayas Art Fair 2024.
4. Artistic Fusion Brings Together Fashion Designers and Creatives for Collaboration
Artistic Fusion is an innovative collaborative initiative that combines the creativity of diverse artists with fashion designers to create unique merchandise inspired by the artists' works, all centered around this year's theme: Artistic Diversity. Each item reflects a seamless blend of artistic expression and fashion design, resulting in one-of-a-kind products. By participating in the Artistic Fusion initiative, you’re not only supporting artists and designers but also contributing to meaningful efforts that promote creativity and strengthen the community.
5. Pinta de Baryo
Pinta de Baryo from Davao City celebrates local heritage and community spirit. The term "Pinta de Baryo" translates to "Paint of the Village," and the event typically features mural painting and artistic expressions that highlight the stories, traditions, and identity of the local communities.
Throughout the event, Art & Design Talks and Workshops will be held, featuring notable artists and industry leaders from Visayas and Mindanao. These sessions will offer insights into art appreciation, practical workshops, and discussions on turning art and design into sustainable businesses.
Cultural Performances will also take center stage, with local performing artists showcasing their talents, encouraging audiences to reconnect with and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Visayas Art Fair: 31 Participating Galleries
The participating galleries represent various regions. From Mindanao, we have Gallery Down South. In the Visayas region, participating galleries include Bohol CCAD, Mariyah Gallery from Dumaguete, and several from Cebu: Florentino’s Art Gallery, Qube Gallery, The Company, Museo Cariño, Galerie Raphael, Sugbo Kreatibo Kolektibo, Manila-Cebu Collective, Sacred Heart School for Boys Batch 85, Raymund Fernandez, University of San Carlos, Southwestern University-PHINMA, and CIT University. From Baguio, we have Kidlat Tahimik. The NCR is represented by Gab Mejia, 29 Kapitolyo Art Space, Arcadia Art Gallery, Drybrush Art Gallery, Daloy Likha, Fifty One Collective Art Haus, Galerie Du Soleil, Galerie Francesca, and Historia Art Gallery, M Gallery, Nami Art Gallery and Village Art Gallery. We also have Gallery from Malaysia which is The Artemis Art Gallery.
Programs and Activities
ART INSTALLATIONS
We are committed to expanding the scope of our advocacy by championing the VISAYAS ART FAIR this year. We invite everyone to partake in this celebration of creativity that promises to leave a lasting impact on the artistic landscape of the Visayas and beyond.
For your convenience, tickets can be purchased online:
• Tickets are available for purchase online at https://ticket2me.net/event/21902. • General admission is priced at Php 170.00.
• Special discounted rates are available for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and students at Php 150.00.
• For art enthusiasts, 3-day passes are offered at Php 480.00.
• More information can be found on the website: https://www.thevisayasartfair.com.
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