Words and Images Visayas Art Fair and Bodega Design Caravan
Editing The Kanto team
The Visayas Art Fair: Connecting the Islands through Art is an annual event launched in 2021 to showcase the region’s diverse artistic expressions. Organized by the Cebu Culture, Art, and Design Foundation, this year’s theme is “artistic diversity,” aiming to embrace the unique works of artists across the islands and regions.
“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 organizers shared. “The momentum of the Visayas Art Fair’s success is expected to continue to contribute 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 of the abundance of creative talent across the islands.”
This edition features five collaborators: National Artist Kidlat Tahimik, multimedia documentary-art The Baylan of Mount Kalatungan, international sculptor James Doran-Webb, collaborative initiative Artistic Fusion and Davao City’s Pinta de Baryo which includes a mural painting activity.
A total of 31 galleries have chosen to participate in the event. Visayan galleries consist of Bohol’s CCAD, Dumaguete’s Mariyah Gallery, Cebu’s 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. Gallery Down South and Kidlat Tahimik solely represent Mindanao and Baguio respectively.
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, Historia Art Gallery, M Gallery, Nami Art Gallery and Village Art Gallery. One international gallery, The Artemis Art Gallery from Malaysia, is also participating this year.
Aside from the Art Exhibition, the event will also hold 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 featuring local performance artists will also happen, encouraging audiences to reconnect with and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Once again coinciding with the Visayas Art Fair is the Bodega Design Caravan, which was introduced by the fair in 2022. The caravan focuses on the craftsmanship and creativity of Cebu’s leading designers in furniture, home furnishings, fashion, and accessories.
“Beyond a marketplace, BODEGA offers a dynamic range of activities, including design talks from Cebu’s prominent designers, hands-on workshops where creatives engage directly with participants, and a fashion show that highlights local talent. New this year is the Food Artisan segment, celebrating culinary artistry and presentation to engage both chefs and food enthusiasts,” the organizers said.
Clothing and fashion accessories exhibitors for this year are Accessori Manila, Arete, Arte ni Juana, Golden Monstera, Balik Batik, Curio, Kinabuhi Fashion, Donata by Kate Singson, Rubyline Ladies Fashion, Vaña Fashion House, JANUS, Yves Caminguez, and Mikhail Achas.
Hacienda Crafts, Vanessa Gaston, Grasscraft, La Galuche, Cebu Fil-Veneer, Cebu Homecraft Consolidated Inc., and Cebu Natura Crafts will be showcasing furniture products, while HoliCOW, ICANWeavers, Katinko, Galerie Francesca Emporium, and Shepard Life Goods will put gifts and wellness products on display and for sale.
The two events will be co-located at Oakridge Business Park, Visayas Art Fair’s venue partner for three consecutive years. The art exhibit will be located on the 12th floor of Oakridge Studio, while BODEGA will be at the Oakridge Pavilion.
“Each year, we enhance the layout at Oakridge Pavilion to provide a better experience for participants, exhibitors, and visitors, ensuring ample space and a comfortable environment for exploring a broader array of offerings.”
“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, and demographics, including government sectors, academia, and private businesses.”
Tickets to the Visayas Art Fair are available online, with packages available for one to three-day passes. Entrance to BODEGA is FREE! •
