Art Fair Philippines 2026 Transforms Old Makati Office Building Into Cultural Haven
Art Fair Philippines returns this February with a bold new approach, transforming a former office building in Circuit Makati into a vertical art ecosystem that challenges traditional notions of where art belongs.
From February 6 to 8, the fair will occupy Circuit Corporate Center One, marking another innovative venue choice that reinforces the Philippines' growing presence in the global art market. The move aligns with Circuit Makati's vision as a creative district, preparing for its planned Contemporary Art Center in 2027.
A Space Reimagined for Filipino Art
"Over the years, Art Fair Philippines has occupied unexpected spaces, challenging the notion that art only belongs in formal institutions," explains Ayala Land creative director Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala. The fair spans six floors, with visitors entering through the fifth floor and exploring galleries from levels five to eleven.
This year's edition brings together an impressive roster of local and international galleries. Filipino stalwarts like Silverlens and León Gallery showcase alongside contemporary institutions such as Pintô Art Museum and Arboretum. Regional galleries from Bacolod's Orange Project represent the provinces, reflecting the fair's commitment to showcasing art from across the archipelago.
Projects Section: A Filipino Town Plaza
The most compelling section remains Projects, featuring ten carefully selected Filipino artists on the sixth floor. Exhibition designers Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco have created a space inspired by a Filipino barrio or town plaza, complete with walkways, alcoves, and even an eskinita.
"It will be a fun place to experience, with benches so you can sit down and view the work, just like in a town plaza," says Art Fair PH co-founder Lisa Periquet.
Featured artists include Imelda Cajipe Endaya, whose printmaking practice engages with social realities, and Max Balatbat, who presents a chapel inspired by his grandmother's creation in Caloocan. Brenda Fajardo reinterprets Western tarot through Filipino mythology and politics, while textile artist Ged Merino explores the symbolism of the kulambo (mosquito net).
Art Beyond the Building
The fair extends beyond its walls through the ninth year of "10 Days of Art," activating Makati from January 30 to February 8. This initiative brings art to malls, underpasses, and public spaces, making culture accessible to all Filipinos.
Ronald Ventura's rideable carousel at Circuit Mall and the Aquilizan duo's interactive fountain work at Ayala Tower One exemplify how Filipino artists engage with public spaces. FotomotoPH returns to the Paseo underpass, while digital artist Isaiah Cacnio installs LED works across multiple venues.
Building Cultural Community
"This is a way for us to make sure that art is beyond the frontlines of the fair," notes co-founder Trickie Lopa. The appointment of New York-based curator Anne-Laure Lemaitre for the new residency grant program demonstrates the fair's commitment to international dialogue while centering Filipino artistic voices.
With over 150 student volunteers and parallel Gallery Weekend events across Metro Manila, Art Fair Philippines continues building community from the ground up. The fair represents more than commerce, it creates connections between artists and audiences, bridging daily life with transcendent artistic experiences.
In February's contemplative atmosphere, this celebration of Filipino creativity and international collaboration arrives at the perfect moment, promising inspiration and cultural enrichment for visitors from across the archipelago and beyond.