February is for PASINAYA, Art Fair Philippines, and other PHL art events

AS January ends we inch closer to the month known for vibrant artistic celebrations. The events under the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ PASINAYA 2023 and Art Fair Philippines 2023 exhibits and happenings should already be on every art enthusiast’s calendar.

In the first week of February, from the 3rd to the 5th of the month, the CCP holds the largest annual multi-arts festival in the country, PASINAYA. This year, it returns live in different venues all over the CCP Complex and in partner museums and galleries. There are over a hundred shows, workshops, and many other activities and events in the fields of music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and literature.

The theme for PASINAYA 2023: The CCP Open House Festival is Piglas Sining. It has the following components: Pagtitipon: A gathering of regional partners to share plans and programs; Palihan: “Workshop-all-you-can”—workshops in all the art forms to be conducted by experts in their field; Palabas: See-All-you-can, Pay-what-you-can”— Performances and film screenings featuring the CCP Resident Companies, professional, amateur and community-based artists and arts organizations in all the art genres; Palitan: Arts Market—artists pitch to prospective producers; and Paseo Museo: A visit to the various museums in Metro Manila.

CCP expects around 14,000 guests in attendance. The public is advised to wear their masks and follow health and safety measures to make the festival a safe space for everyone, including children and senior citizens. To enter, each guest is encouraged to donate P50 for the wristband.

More than a week later, from the 17th to the 19th of February, Art Fair Philippines celebrates its 10th anniversary with a series of in-person events at The Link in Makati City. Guests will get to enjoy the refreshing atmosphere amid the fair’s biophilic design that the organizers have decided to adopt this year.

There will be around 63 local and international exhibitors participating in the various programs being offered this year: Digital, Projects, Photo Special Exhibits, Talks, and Workshops. ArtFairPH 2023 also honors the late Norma Liongoren and Albert Avellana, two notable artists in the local art community. It will also showcase the works of artists who have completed their art residencies this year, as well as the films curated by the Ateneo Art Gallery. Finally, on top of the 3-day exhibits, ArtFairPH is also holding “10 Days of Art Initiative,” a series of activities happening from February 10 to 19 to be carried out by participating galleries, museums, bars, restaurants, and retail establishments.

And we’re just getting started. I’m sure there will be more art-related events happening next month. So get ready to celebrate National Arts Month, Philippine-style!