Art Fair Philippines can be tough to navigate, especially for first-timers. The country’s premiere contemporary art event returns for its 12th edition from February 21 to 23, bringing fresh artists, galleries, and a brand-new venue — now set at the Ayala Triangle Gardens instead of its usual home at The Link carpark.
When asked about what advice she’d give fair attendees, Art Fair PH co-founder Trickie Lopa says, “Go with the flow. Go where it takes you. Just enjoy it and be prepared for a lot of walking and stopping.”
Co-founder Dindin Araneta recommends coming up with an itinerary based on information on the website. “Make a list of what you want to see so that when you arrive, you can explore those exhibits.”
To make the most out of your ticket, co-founder Lisa Ongpin-Periquet says, “Really try to see as much as you can, and don’t forget the talks and the film showings — they’re part of your ticket! You’ll need at least two hours to get through the fair.”
Whether you’re looking to discover your new favorite artist or soak in the fair’s creative energy for the first time, this guide will help you make the most of your fair ticket this year.
fair Location
Most of the exhibitions will be housed inside air-conditioned (!!!) tents set up around the Ayala Triangle Gardens, while certain programs, such as the fair’s scheduled talks, will be hosted in the Ayala Triangle Tower.
The venue’s two entrances — one along Ayala Avenue and another along Makati Avenue — will allow for easier access to the fair, with walk-in attendees also being able to buy tickets at these entrances on the days of the fair.
Exhibitions
One major highlight of the fair is its ArtFairPH/Projects section, a collection of exhibits featuring Filipino artists Manuel Ocampo, Manny Garibay, Goldie Poblador, Ryan Rubio, and Jezzel Wee. The fair also features the work of anonymous urban artist SpY Studio, who has already set up his unique outdoor installation as part of the fair’s free lead-up event, 10 Days of Art.
There’s also the ArtFairPH/Digital section, whichwill showcase digital media works that engage with technology, animation, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. One exhibition you won’t want to miss is KAKAKOMPYUTER MO YAN, a collaborative exhibition created by Chia Amisola that showcases Filipino internet art.
Talks
As part of the fair’s commitment to developing a wider appreciation for art among its attendees, the ArtFairPH/Talks section offers visitors the opportunity to listen in on a series of engaging talks, panel discussions, workshops, and performances.
There’s going to be a panel discussion on collection management from a collector’s perspective, presented in partnership with Larry’s List, the world’s leading art market knowledge platform offering data, research, and insights into contemporary art collectors.
A full list of this year’s talks can be found here. ArtFairPH/Talks will take place at The Executive Centre, located on the 6th and 8th floors of Ayala Triangle Tower 2.
Screenings
This year’s ArtFairPH/Films section will feature screenings of the Philippine-Japan drama Kono Basho, directed by award-winning filmmaker Jaime Pacena II, complete with a discussion with the film’s cast. The drama centers around a young Filipino-Japanese woman who travels to Japan for her estranged father’s funeral.
Also part of the lineup is The F.A.T. Boys!! Episode 1: Each One Teach One. The series, shot by American director Drew Milo, follows two friends, Mr. StarCity and Splashman LV. The premiere episode, shot during their trip through the Philippines last year, features Toby Tamayo, the environmentalist based in La Union.
A full list of the fair’s films can be found here. Like ArtFairPH/Talks, ArtFairPH/Films will take place at The Executive Centre.
Access
For attendees traveling by MRT-3, the Ayala Station is 1.2 kilometers away, approximately a 17-minute walk to the fair.
There are also two bus stops close to the venue. The bus stop at Rustan’s Glorietta is around 1 kilometer away and should be a 14-minute walk to the fair. Meanwhile, the bus stop at the MRT-3 Ayala Station stop is 1.2 kilometers away, approximately a 17-minute walk.
There are also parking options available around the fair, as listed on Art Fair PH’s website:
- Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2 Parking
- Gabriela Silang Parking
- The Link Carpark (7-minute walk)
- Paseo Center Parking (4-minute walk)
- Valero Carpark 2 (6-minute walk)
- 6750 Building Parking (8-minute walk)
- Greenbelt 5 Parking (10-minute walk)
- Glorietta 3 Basement Parking (11-minute walk)
- Rustan’s Steel Parking -(11-minute walk)
fair Ticket Prices
Regular tickets are priced at P750 for a day pass and are available here.
Students with valid IDs, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) can purchase tickets at P500. Makati students and teachers with valid IDs can purchase tickets at P300. These concession tickets are only available on-site upon presentation of valid IDs.
Attendees may be asked to present a valid ID for verification on the day of the event. For group bookings of more than 10 persons, please email in advance [email protected].
fair Dates and Hours
The fair will run from February 21 to 23 and will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
