Art lovers, aspiring creatives, and curious mallgoers are in for an inspiring cultural experience as the 9th Ortigas Art Festival transforms GH Mall into a vibrant hub of Filipino creativity from July 16 to 31, 2026. This year’s festival not only celebrates the country’s rich artistic heritage but also champions the next generation of Filipino artists through the launch of the inaugural Ortigas Art Grant.
Embracing the theme “Elevate,” the festival marks a significant milestone in its nine-year journey from a traditional art exhibition into one of Metro Manila’s most accessible and award-winning multidisciplinary celebrations of Filipino artistry. Staying true to its long-standing advocacy of “Art For All,” the festival invites everyone to experience art in its many forms—through visual arts, immersive installations, cinema, live performances, and interactive workshops—all free and open to the public.
Visitors can explore contemporary art galleries set throughout GH Mall, enjoy independent Filipino film screenings, witness captivating live performances, and participate in hands-on creative workshops designed for artists and beginners alike.
“The theme ‘Elevate’ is both a reflection and a call to action,” said Renato “Ato” Habulan, Lead Curator of the Ortigas Art Festival. “It honors how far the festival has come over nine years while challenging artists and audiences alike to rise higher, think deeper, and experience art in new and unexpected ways right here in their neighborhood mall.”
Celebrating Filipino Cultural Icons and Emerging Talent
This year’s festival pays tribute to some of the country’s most influential cultural figures. National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario is featured in a special collaboration with the University of the Philippines Press, while an exhibition mounted with the Cultural Center of the Philippines celebrates the enduring legacy of National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal.
Taking center stage as the festival’s featured artist is environmental sculptor Junyee, widely regarded as the “Father of Philippine Installation Art.” Known for transforming natural materials into monumental works that blur the boundaries between art and nature, Junyee embodies the spirit of innovation and artistic excellence that the festival seeks to promote.
The festival also showcases works from leading galleries, artist collectives, and cultural institutions, including Agos Studio’s exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Kaisahan, Eskinita Art Gallery, Linangan Art Residency, Thombayan Art Space, Art Circle Gallery, Historia Art Gallery, Nami Art Gallery, the Collective Artists of Angono, Mindoro Artists Group, Pasig Art Club, the Ortigas Foundation, and several artist-run initiatives. Meanwhile, Born in Film presents a photography exhibit featuring nostalgic and contemporary snapshots from across the Philippines.
Art Comes Alive Through Film and Performance
Beyond visual arts, cinema takes center stage with a curated lineup presented in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Festivalgoers can enjoy nightly screenings of acclaimed Filipino films, including Cinemartrys and Alipato at Muog, alongside selections from CCP’s Lakbay Sine, Gawad Alternatibo, and Cinemalaya programs.
The documentary That We May See, directed by Paul Morales, revisits the story of Kaisahan as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, while works by acclaimed filmmaker Sari Dalena add depth to the cinematic offerings. Emerging voices in Philippine cinema are likewise represented through short films such as I’m The Best Left Inside My Head by Elian Idoma (2025) and Pastil: Parehas Ra Ta’g Kan-on’g Ginakaon by Andrei Francis “Franky” C. Arrocena (2025).
The festival’s opening ceremonies were further elevated by live performances from the prestigious Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Quartet and dynamic dance showcases, creating a multisensory celebration of Filipino creativity.
From Art Appreciation to Artistic Expression
The Ortigas Art Festival encourages visitors not only to admire art but to create it themselves. Free workshops throughout the festival offer participants opportunities to learn acrylic pouring, block printing, textured plaster art, paper cutting, sketching, storytelling, and even copyright masterclasses conducted by Born in Film.
Whether picking up a paintbrush for the first time or exploring a new creative medium, attendees are invited to experience the joy of artistic expression firsthand.
Investing in the Future of Filipino Art
A major highlight of this year’s festival is the launch of the Ortigas Art Grant—an artist development initiative designed to nurture emerging Filipino talents beyond the festival itself.
Shortlisted artists will be given the opportunity to develop and present new works in 2027, while the selected grantee will receive special recognition during the Ortigas Art Festival’s 10th anniversary celebration, along with an international exposure opportunity connected to Art Basel Hong Kong 2027.
The initiative reflects the festival’s growing commitment to supporting Filipino artists not only by providing a platform for their work but also by helping them gain meaningful opportunities on the global stage.
After nine successful editions, the Ortigas Art Festival continues to redefine how Filipinos experience art. More than a cultural event, it has become an inclusive space where families, students, collectors, and first-time visitors can connect with creativity in ways that are accessible, engaging, and inspiring.
Because sometimes, great art isn’t found behind museum walls—it’s waiting just around the corner at your neighborhood mall.
For updates on workshops, schedules, and festival announcements, follow the Ortigas Art Festival Facebook page. You may also join the Ortigas Malls Viber Community and follow GH Mall on Facebook for the latest news and events.
