THE Art for Everyone Exhibit 2026 opened in Davao City on Saturday, July 25. (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
DAVAO CITY – A Davao City mall and an arts and cultural organization officially opened the Art for Everyone 2026 exhibit on Saturday, July 25, featuring 600 artworks by 200 emerging artists, students, and underserved creatives from across Mindanao.
SM Lanang and Lawig-Diwa Inc.'s annual exhibit, which runs until Aug. 3, aims to make art more accessible by transforming the mall into a shared space where the public can connect through creativity, culture, and community.
The opening ceremony was attended by Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental Mayor Jason Joyce, renowned sculptor Kublai Millan, writer and artist Stella Estremera, and visual artists Jeff Bangot and Jimmy Yap.
On display are paintings, sculptures, clay artworks, fashion designs, crocheted crafts, and other handcrafted creations, all available for public viewing and purchase.
SM Lanang Mall Manager Kimberly Ann Remolona said the exhibit reflects the mall's commitment to supporting local artists while creating a space where a wider audience can appreciate art.
"Art for Everyone is back to continue its legacy of bringing art closer to the people through the mall as an everyday shared space," Remolona said during the opening program.
She said the mall, hosting the event for the second year, has evolved beyond being a shopping destination into a "third space" where people gather over shared interests, hobbies, and advocacies, including the appreciation of local art and culture.
Remolona thanked participating artists, particularly Lawig-Diwa Inc., led by Millan, for its continued partnership in promoting the local creative industry and expanding public access to the arts.
According to SM Lanang and Lawig-Diwa, the exhibit celebrates Mindanao's diverse traditions, identities, and artistic talent while providing local creatives with a platform to showcase their work.
The Art for Everyone is part of SM's advocacy-driven initiative to empower local artists, strengthen partnerships with the creative community, and foster greater appreciation for Mindanao's arts and culture.