As the Visayas Art Fair prepares for its 4th edition, the event strengthens its strategic partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). This collaboration marks a pivotal chapter in the fair’s mission, offering exciting opportunities for continued growth and evolution. In celebration of its 4th anniversary, the organizers 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, the valued venue partner for three consecutive years. Together with these partners, the fair aims to create an inspiring environment that celebrates and showcases the rich artistic talents of the Visayas region, along with those from Mindanao and Luzon.
The Visayas Art Fair: Connecting the Islands Through Art has successfully highlighted the region’s diverse artistic expressions over the past three years. The event’s success reflects the dedication of a skilled team led by 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 play a leading role in shaping and advancing the artistic and cultural landscape of the region.
Building on the momentum of past successes, the Visayas Art Fair is expected to continue contributing to the growth of creative industries across the Visayas and throughout the Philippines. The increasing participation of artists and galleries highlights the abundance of creative talent from the islands.
The theme for this year’s Visayas Art Fair is “artistic diversity,” with a focus on embracing the unique works of artists from various islands and regions. From intricate paintings to contemporary installations, the 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, transforming the event into an immersive experience.
This year, the fair promises to be more than just an exhibition; it is a gathering of visionaries and a demonstration of the Philippines’ vibrant artistic scene. As one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events, the Visayas Art Fair 2024 invites everyone to witness a convergence of talent that blurs the lines between the traditional and the contemporary. Each artist will bring a unique perspective, making the fair a vibrant display of stories, emotions, and ideas that push the boundaries of art.
The Visayas Art Fair 2024 will feature a range of events and activities to showcase the region’s artistic diversity. The four-day Art Exhibition, held on the 12th-floor studio, will be the centerpiece, featuring an array of visual arts in various formats and genres. Art from numerous galleries, collectives, and individual artists from Visayas and Mindanao will be on display, along with selected galleries from NCR and international galleries from Malaysia.
Creative installations featuring sculptures, street art, crochet bombs, and more will be scattered throughout the gardens of Oakridge Business Park, celebrating 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 and demographics, including government sectors, academia, and private businesses.
The Visayas Art Fair is excited to introduce its collaborators for this year, which include:
- Kidlat Tahimik: The National Artist and pioneering film director will be joining the fair to share his insights. His works have received widespread acclaim for reflecting the beauty and realities of Filipino culture.
- The Baylan of Mount Kalatungan: This multimedia documentary-art display takes viewers on a spiritual journey, featuring a carousel of illustrations, photos, and the documentary “Baradiya” by Filipino artist Gab Mejia, bringing attention to Filipino traditions and the preservation of nature.
- James Doran-Webb: Known as one of the world’s leading sculptors, Doran-Webb will showcase his striking animal sculptures crafted from driftwood and recycled materials.
- Artistic Fusion: An innovative collaborative initiative that combines diverse artists and fashion designers to create unique merchandise inspired by the artists’ works, centered around the theme of Artistic Diversity.
- Pinta de Baryo: Celebrating local heritage and community spirit, Pinta de Baryo from Davao City showcases mural painting and artistic expressions that highlight the stories, traditions, and identities of 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. Additionally, cultural performances will take center stage, encouraging audiences to reconnect with and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the region.
For convenience, tickets for the Visayas Art Fair 2024 can be purchased online at Ticket2Me. General admission is priced at Php 170.00, with special rates for senior citizens, PWDs, and students at Php 150.00. A 3-day pass is also available for Php 480.00. More information is available on the official website at thevisayasartfair.com.
Photo courtesy Visayas Art Fair
