Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures’ for the art community, and what better way to uplift spirits that to bring art closer to everyone through Ortigas Mall’s award-wining and admission free Ortigas Art Festival 2021.
Now in its 4th year, the annual Ortigas Art Festival was first launched in 2018 with the vision of making art accessible to everyone. With the success of its first run which featured over 60 local artists from well-renowned groups. Ortigas Mall continued to pursue its goal of uplifting the art community and democratizing art by making Ortigas Art Festival annual celebration. In 2019, the festival’s roster grew to over 130 artists from all over the Philippines and then grew even bigger with over 200 artists including “international artist from Southeast Asia in 2020.
“ We at Ortigas Mall have always supported the art community. Through the Ortigas Festival, we can bring together hundreds of talented local and even international artists. And provide them with a platform to express their craft and inspire from all walks of life,” says Architect Renee Bacani, Ortigas Malls Vice President. “The theme of this year’s Ortigas Art Festival aligns with Ortigas Malls’ Enjoy Everyday Campaign, which promotes the importance of making every day enjoyable and seizing every opportunity, despite the many challenges that life may bring,” Bacani adds,
Annual Event
The fourth instalment of the Ortigas Art Festival has ventured out to film this year from the previous year’s photography, paintings, and sculpture exhibits. Mr Renato Habulan, the exhibits heads and a multi-awarded Filipino artist and the Ortigas Mall promise a hybrid festival with on-ground and virtual activities to keep all kinds of art lovers engaged.
“Art is an important part of society, it is food to the soul. As long as the community continues to remain dedicated to pursuing the craft and enthusiast continue to support, the art industry will thrive, he says.
In these challenging times, Habulan says collaboration and innovation among artists remain foremost priorities. We are grateful to continue this partnership with Ortigas Mall through the annual Ortigas Art Festival. Through activities like this, we can foster a sense of commonality among artists, encourage learning and push the industry together, “ add Habulan.
Ortigas Art Festival Artist
Ortigas Malls and partnered artist of the Ortigas Art Festival has pulled all the stops to make the month-long festival as memorable and enriching as the previous years. Here are some of the highlights that everyone should look forward to from February 24- March 31.
- Agos.studio. As the headline gallery at the Ortigas Art Festival 2021, Agos Studio artist headed by Renato Habulan himself showcased its fluid and borderless art to the world. They continue to spearhead the e-mentoring sessions for aspiring and established artist to boost their spirits and guide them in theses unprecedented times. With the Art Relief Mobile Kitchen as their beneficiary, giving back is surely at their core, no matter where the gallery goes.
- Born in Film. Apart from the usual elements of the Art Festivals, everyone can also look out for works by Born in Film. The group is a non-profit organization including Alberto Garcia – the only Filipino Photographer included in Time Magazine and National Geographic’s Most Influential Photos of the 20th century with his Mount Pinabutbo picture “Beauty amidst Disaster”. His works are featured in the festivals along with the virtual workshops on Visual Storytelling and Creative composition, as well as Darkroom Developing on Color, Black and White, and Scanning Your Negatives broadcasted via Zoom and in photo nation International.
- With the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ partnership with Ortigas Malls, the Festivals venture to film won’t go unnoticed with its first-ever Vertical Cinema Contest which is open to the public.
All these and more are awaiting art enthusiast and aspiring artist at the 4th Annual Ortigas Art Festiva, Head over to Estancia G/F East Wing in Pasig to witness the likes of Agos.studio, RT Relief Mobile KitchenBorn in Film, PhotoNation, Richard Buzani, Arnel Borja, La Maison D’ David Art Gallerie,vMeme Contemporary Art Gallery and many others art showcase safely in the new normal at the Ortigas art Festival 2021 from February 24 to March 31.
For more information about the event and online activities, check out the Ortigas Art Festival 2021’s Facebook Page.
