How Circuit Makati turned creativity into a growth strategy
This district made space for artists, and business followed
The upcoming Contemporary Art Museum and Gallery, poised to become a new cultural anchor.
More developers are carving out space for creatives, adding studios, galleries, and performance venues into their plans. Supporting the arts has become a smart way to build community, boost engagement, and stand out in a crowded market.
While others pursued the typical mix of retail and towers, Circuit Makati envisioned something different—a creative-first district built on a former racetrack. Today, that 21-hectare site stands as an arts-led urban space that’s more than just aesthetic.
At the center is the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, a 1,500-seat venue that brought international and local productions to Manila. It set the tone for Circuit, a place where culture isn’t a weekend add-on but part of the everyday life.
Public spaces echo this identity. Art festivals, murals, and installations don’t just decorate, they pull people in. The upcoming Contemporary Art Museum and Gallery will push this further, serving as both stage and studio. Designed for flexibility, it will host exhibitions, talks, and experimental programs. For artists, it’s another platform. For visitors, it’s a reason to stay.
But Circuit’s support goes beyond venues. Its Artist-in-Residence Program offers creatives a place to live, work, and share their craft with the community. A choreographer and a photographer have already brought fresh energy to the district, with more artists—like an upcoming Adobo Portfolio Night awardee—soon to follow.
CityFlats Circuit provides special rates for artists and serves as a creative hub for those living and working in the district.
Even the living spaces are aligned. CityFlats, its residential component, offers flexible units built for professionals and creatives who want to be close to the scene, literally.
All of this adds up to more than just foot traffic. By building a culture-first community, Circuit Makati attracts not only brands, startups, and restaurants but also lasting loyalty. In a crowded real estate market, that’s a real edge. While others chase the “creative hub” label, Circuit built it early, and is now seeing the results.