CEBU, PHILIPPINES — This year’s installment of Tubô Cebu Art Fair delivered on its promise of being bigger and livelier than ever. A week-long celebration of art, the event ran from September 11 to 18 and served double the fun with its online and physical formats, which meant double the reach to artists and art enthusiasts all across the country.
Tubô Cebu Art Fair is an annual project of the non-profit organization Arts Council of Cebu, and it has continued to be a proponent of art and culture philanthropy in the Visayas since its establishment in 2018. Despite setbacks from the Covid-19 pandemic, its homegrown community of patrons and volunteers champion the growth of regional art and its integration into national culture.
Envisioned as a playground where creatives can dabble with and showcase their work, Tubô had an impressive roster of exhibitors this year. With the theme of “play” acting as the common language that brings varied dialects, styles, and personalities together, these artists embodied the passion, imagination, and energy of the region.
Tubô’s physical exhibition grounds at Ayala Center Cebu boasted pieces from several of the finest art collectives and collaborations in Southern Philippines, like Puluy-an Artists Space, Kolor Banwa, Dumaguete Visual Artists, Bohol Pop, Solitaryo Cinco, Gravado Sugbo, Regional Art Forum, Luyo Space, and Art Portal Cebu. They also feature works from Koliktib-Koliktib and Joya Gallery, which is affiliated with the University of the Philippines Cebu.
Fairgoers witnessed diverse displays from internationally renowned and up-and-coming artists alike, such as Happy Garaje, Golda King, Jose Mari Picornell, Keanne Larrazabal, Dani Yu, Clyde Baricuatro, and Marianne Guinto. Finally, Tubô’s curated signature collection, their pièce de résistance, spotlighted some of the country’s established artists, including Melvin Gurheim, Kimsoy Yap, Adeste Deguilmo, Sam Penaso, and Sio Monterra.
Other activities that Tubô had in store for the art community were its seven-day online art sale, merch market, art talks, art projections, and similar city-wide art events.
adobo Magazine is an official media partner of this event.
