Ortigas Art Festival 2023: Creating connections through accessible art exhibits

Art transcends boundaries and has the remarkable ability to forge connections and foster unity among people. Ortigas Malls, recognizing the significance of this, proudly presents the 6th Ortigas Art Festival at Estancia East Wing, Pasig City, from July 12 to August 13, 2023.

Under the theme “Art for All: An Exhibition of Borderless Passion & Craft,” the Ortigas Art Festival is a captivating event that offers free admission, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in diverse art forms and engage in educational workshops. Its primary objective is to shine a spotlight on talented artists yearning to share their creations with a wider audience while igniting a sense of passion and appreciation for the arts that knows no limits.

“I’m really thankful to Ortigas Malls for providing an opportunity like this for six years. This is an important platform to really reach out to a wider market,” said Renato “Mang Ato” Habulan, Head Curator for Agos Studio and Linangan Residency. He added that the Ortigas Art Festival is a great way to educate people about various forms of art, and empower people to build a community through artistic expression.

A wide range of art appreciation

One of the highlights of this year’s Ortigas Art Festival are the artworks from Mr. Habulan’s Art Caravan, a traveling exhibit that brought art to various communities. The project encouraged collaboration between artists, fostering a creative space for them to paint and sculpt outside the confines of their rooms. These pieces are displayed at the Agos Studio and Linangan Art Residency exhibits.

The month-long exhibit featured an impressive display of artwork from both established and emerging Filipino artists from Davao, led by Ms. Rita Bustamante.

In the realm of photography, the Ortigas Foundation presented a collection of vintage photos dating back to 1900-1920, showcasing the captivating landscapes of the Southern Philippines and Cordillera. Red Lab Gallery, on the other hand, exhibited fine print photographs.

As part of the event, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) hosted free Night Film Screenings, featuring critically acclaimed Filipino movies directed by Regina Cadena (Sonata), Paolo Villaluna (Pauwi Na), and Zig Dulay (Paglipay). Additionally, aspiring filmmakers had the opportunity to participate in the third Ortigas Vertical Cinema Contest, centered around the theme “Pursuit of Happiness,” offering exciting prizes for the winners.

The Ortigas Art Festival also included captivating performances in Dance & Music, featuring Step by Step Performing Arts Studio, Bughaw Folkloric, and Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts Guild.

Furthermore, the event embraced the realm of Fashion with two notable exhibits. Empire PH presented a Miss Universe National Costume Exhibit, showcasing stunning creations, while Kaayo Modern Mindanao exhibited a collection of Couture and Bridal Dresses.

Sharing the knowledge and love for the arts

In the spirit of making arts and craft more accessible, Ortigas Art Festival is hosting a series of talks and workshops.

Visitors can sign up and have an immersive experience in pottery with OdangPutik, and create intricate macrame pieces with Luntian Kagubatan in partnership with Agos Studio. There will also be back-to-back workshops by the Philippine Bonsai Society and Ikenobo Ikebana Society of Manila.

Over the past six years, we have worked with so many people – those who came to learn and those who came to teach,

said Helen Mirasol, Ortigas Art Festival Consultant

“One thing that became an integral part of each festival were the Comment Boards, which encouraged viewers to take a more critical view of the artworks,” adds Mirasol.

Through the Ortigas Art Festival, Estancia Mall continues its advocacy of bringing art closer to more Filipinos as well as giving them respite from the challenges of everyday life. The festival also gives Filipinos a chance to learn more about art and tap into their artistic side.

We have to teach art to a wider audience because it can enlighten people. I hope we can connect not only to young artists, but also to ordinary people who have the potential to do more art.

said Mr. Habulan

Art indeed has the power to connect us all. Together, let us enjoy Ortigas Art Festival 2023.

The Ortigas Art Festival 2023 will run from July 12 to August 13, 2023 at the East Wing, Estancia in Pasig City.

For more information, follow Ortigas Art Festival on Facebook (@ortigasartfestival), and Estancia on Facebook (@estanciaofficial) and Instagram (@estanciaph).