QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Filipino artists will have more space to showcase and sell their work as the Gateway Art Fair prepares to return for its fifth year from October 1 to 4 at Gateway Mall 2.
The upcoming fair was introduced during its media launch on September 22 at World Kitchens, Gateway Mall 2, where organizers presented this year’s programs, partnerships, and activities.
Presented by the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), Gateway Gallery, and Araneta City, the fair will feature more than 200 artists and art groups from across the country. This will be the largest number of participants since the annual event began in 2022.
JAAF President Rowell L. Recinto opened the media launch, followed by Executive Director Dianne C. Romero, who discussed the foundation’s plans for the fifth edition.
One of the highlights of the media launch was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between JAAF and the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts (UP-CFA), represented by Dean Prof. Abdulmari Ymao Jr.
Ymao said the fair gives visitors a chance to meet artists and experience their work in person. He also pointed to the growing presence of AI-generated content and the value of seeing and engaging with original artworks.
The launch also featured a panel discussion with representatives from Yaru Nu Artes Ivatan, Mindoro Artists Group, JOSE/Velasco Art, and Gateway Gallery.
Artist Lydia Velasco discussed the personal value of collecting art. She said purchasing an artwork can be seen as acquiring a piece of oneself.
The panel also encouraged people who are new to art collecting to start by visiting galleries, viewing different works, and learning which pieces appeal to them.
For those interested in buying artworks, selected pieces will be available through installment payments. Through the fair’s partnership with Metrobank, buyers may pay for their purchases over a maximum period of three months.
JAAF has also prepared programs that will support participating artists beyond the four-day event.
On September 3, the foundation partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry-National Capital Region (DTI-NCR) for a capacity-building seminar for Gateway Art Fair exhibitors. The session covered digital marketing, branding, and creative entrepreneurship based on topics requested by participating artists.
The fair will also introduce the Gateway Art Fair Awards during its opening on October 1. The awards will recognize artists and exhibitions through three categories: the Gateway Art Fair Masterpiece Award, Breakthrough Artist Award, and Exhibit of the Year Award.
Boysen Paint Philippines and Art Bar will provide the trophies and prizes for the awards.
JAAF also formalized its partnership with UP-CFA during the media launch and turned over art materials to children under the care of the Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities, Inc. (PACDLD), represented by its president, Jean Gonzales.
The upcoming fair will also give visitors opportunities to take part in art activities.
From October 2 to 4, the public can join free workshops at Gateway Mall 1 covering mandala-making, collaborative drawing, soft sculpture, and relief and rubber cutting.
Prof. Toym Ymao of UP College of Fine Arts will also lead a talk on the impact of artificial intelligence on art education.
Visitors will also see installations by local artists at Levels 3 and 4 of Gateway Mall 2. Chris Lucas will present a work focused on the struggles of commuting, while Elias Pernecita Jr. will explore art and sustainability. Nina Chanco Libatique will present an interactive work designed for pets.
The art fair’s visual design will draw from the Bauhaus style, an approach to art and design known for its focus on function, form, and the relationship between art and everyday life.
Through the Gateway Art Fair, JAAF aims to connect Filipino artists with audiences while creating opportunities for artists to develop their work and reach potential buyers.
“Our core mission has always been simple. Every doorway we unlock for an artist opens a dozen more for our culture and economy,” Romero said.
The Gateway Art Fair will officially take place from October 1 to 4, 2026, at Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City. The free public workshops and other activities will run from October 2 to 4 at Gateway Mall 1.
By Yzer Samson | September 22, 2026