Reimagining one’s role in arts and culture
On its thirteenth year from its inception, ManilArt has constantly innovated as the country’s national art fair. This year, it returns to its roots with the theme “Continuing Legacies,” which will take place at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, and Taguig City from Oct. 13 to 17, 2021.
Its continuing legacy is solely focused on reimagining one’s role in arts and culture, which has shifted to a new playing field through online media. Through holding both online and onsite events henceforth, both, safety and accessibility are addressed. The website will continue to provide full virtual walkthroughs, as well as asynchronous online activities for art education.
ManilART is extending its reach through various satellite sites beyond Metro Manila as well. In its ten years as the national art fair, ManilART has spearheaded efforts not just to bring together different regions to the capital, but also to help gain traction in the bigger art scene through ManilART Caravans, resulting in fully-realized regional art fairs such as Mindanao Art.
As the flagship activity of Museums and Galleries Month, ManilART takes the lead in ensuring that public health and safety practices be strictly implemented at the onsite venue. Tickets will be available through TicketBooth.ph and safety measures will be implemented in adherence to SM Aura Premier’s safety standards as monitored by Safe City Taguig.
Among ManilART’s satellite sites are Likhang Silangan in Rizal, Tarlac Art in Tarlac, and Balai Kalipay in Mindanao. The satellite exhibit, “Likhang Silangan: The Art EASTory of Rizal,” will run from Oct. 10 to 23, 2021 at Angkla Art Gallery. With Rizal known as the Cradle of Philippine Art, there is much to look forward to with Angkla Art Gallery’s showcase of local visual artists including Rizaleño legends such as Juan "Tandang Juancho" Senson, Carlos "Botong" Francisco, and Vicente Manansala.
Tarlac Art is at the beginning of forging its own legacy. “Tarlac Art” shall be held from Oct. 1 to 22, 2021 at Diwa ng Tarlac, Tarlac City. This much-anticipated endeavor of the city’s provincial government will be the first visual arts exhibit exclusively featuring artists from Tarlac, the heart of Luzon.
Balai Kalipay is a museum gallery in the picturesque Malagos mountains co-founded by visual artist Kublai Millan. Its particular advocacy is to showcase the indigenous art of contemporary Mindanawon artists in situ. The showcase shall be done in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs Cultural Diplomacy Unit.
In solidarity with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, ManilART joins in the quincentennial commemorations by featuring activities and exhibits of the National Quincentennial Committee and hosting the NQC-ManilART Lounge. ManilART remains steadfast in its dedication to its purpose, while constantly expanding partnerships and innovating with the times. Art practitioners, advocates, and enthusiasts are invited to take part in the continuing dialogue now extended through the advances of the digital age.
To keep up to date with ticketing details and the full schedule, follow ManilART’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website at www.manilartfair.com.