Editor’s note: This article is an edited press release from Tubô Cebu Art Fair
Play
[to amuse oneself; to take part in; to explore; to perform; to represent
an activity of amusement; a light and constantly changing movement; a dramatic work onstage; a space or freedom to act/operate in; the conduct or course of a game /sport]
Art may be seen as a serious calling, but it can also be fun, engaging, and entertaining.
On its 4th installment, Tubô Cebu Art Fair traverses the world of “Play”, with the hope of sparking imagination and creativity among audiences so they can pursue their passion and grow better because of it.
Tubô gathers art from all around the region, featuring various dialects, cultures, and personalities that celebrate the Visayan region’s diverse talents. While Tubô seeks to be more intentional in its role as a purveyor of creativity, it strives towards more dynamic and empathic programs for the regional art community.
Tubô nurtures this community by opening dedicated platforms for regional art trade, hosting events where buyers, dealers, and artists can connect. It also curates exposition for art projects, exhibitions, and commissions, and conducts art sales with inclusive price ranges for both starting and serious collectors. Since its programs work to infuse the artists’ ideas, values, and skills into a larger, more art-appreciative society, Tubô has grown through the love and efforts of patrons and volunteers.
This year’s activity is the first of its kind in exploring, presenting, and selling the unique works of masterful Visayan artists like Darby Alcoseba, Gigi Ocampo, Kimsoy Yap Jr., Sam Penaso, Geovanni Abing, Adeste Deguilmo, and Melvin Gurheim.
The play-themed fair spins the momentum for explorative work and conversation while fostering collaboration and a healthy creative community that supports each other, especially in these turbulent times.
Born in 2018, Tubô is held annually in Cebu with the vision of promoting cultural consciousness and creativity. It is organized by the non-profit organization Arts Council of Cebu Foundation, recognized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines as the oldest and still active arts council in the country.
The Foundation is firm in its advocacy of art and culture philanthropy. This has formed the essence of Tubô — whose mission is rooted in making Visayas art a part of the national culture.
For Tubô, art is play, growth, and community.
This year, Tubô is furthering art’s historical and investment value through curated collections and engaging artists from different disciplines by presenting art experiences in various formats. It opens more channels for flexible patronage of regional art by combining the best of the virtual and physical worlds.
The week-long event, co-presented by PRWorks, Inc., will begin with a seven-day online art sale at tubocebu.art on September 11-18, which includes Art Projections by Beta Operations and Merch Market by Cebu Art Book Fair. There will also be a three-day physical exhibit from September 16-18 at Ayala Center Cebu.
But Tubô is not just for the artist. It equally gives importance to the audience. With this in mind, Tubô will be providing them a chance to participate in the auctioning experience usually exclusive to a select group of people. The price points of the artworks are fair to everyone involved, with a price cap of only PHP 50,000, to make it affordable for even ordinary people who appreciate art.
The fair also encourages young art lovers to join Young At Art, a discussion on what it means to collect, curate, and create as a millennial and what the next generation can do now as future patrons of art.
Public Art Playgrounds, on the other hand, talks about what it takes to open and sustain public venues for Filipino art and creativity, while On Playful Practice gives the audience an insight into how artists push the boundaries of their medium, processes, and content.
Mark your calendars and be part of this special regional art experience. For details about the Tubô Cebu Art Fair, email join.tuboart@gmail.com or visit their Instagram and Facebook accounts @tubocebuartfair. •
Tubô Cebu Art Fair is organized by the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation, Inc and is co-presented by Ayala Center Cebu, PRWorks, Inc, and the University of the Philippines Cebu. Adobo Magazine, Cartellino, Cebu Daily News, MyTV, Sunstar, Cinemata, and Agimat are the official media partners. Sponsors include Shakey’s, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Pepper Lunch, Fablab – UP Cebu, Jose T. Joya Gallery, Qube Gallery, From Here, Draft Punk, Ayala Central Bloc, Southwestern University, Cebu Institute of Technology University, Melt Records, and Beta Operations
