Art lovers can expect a full day of art, music, and community as Art in the Park marks its 20th anniversary on Sunday, March 15, at Jaime C. Velasquez Park in Salcedo, Makati City.
The event, considered the country’s first affordable art fair, will once again transform the park into a vibrant open-air gallery featuring works from around 60 art galleries, collectives, independent art spaces, artist groups, and art schools.
Visitors will be able to browse and purchase artworks while enjoying the fair’s relaxed park setting, a format that has helped the event grow steadily since it began in 2006 with just twelve galleries housed in a handful of tents.
Over the years, the fair has expanded from occupying only half of the park to taking over the entire park area and nearby streets to accommodate more exhibitors and visitors who attend the annual “art day out.” The event also continues its mission of making art accessible while supporting the Museum Foundation of the Philippines.
To celebrate its two-decade milestone, organizers are releasing two special commemorative projects.
One is the 20th Anniversary Book, a retrospective publication that traces how Art in the Park evolved from a modest community gathering into one of the most anticipated art events in the Philippines.
The fair will also launch the “Art in the Park at 20 Portfolio Box,” which contains two sets of signed, limited-edition prints by 40 artists. The collection includes works by artists such as Bjorn Calleja, Carlo Tanseco, Demi Padua, Jomike Tejido, Marina Cruz, Anna Bautista, AR Manalo, Charlie Co, Manny Garibay, Pepe Delfin, TRNZ, Clarence Chun, Lynyrd Paras, Yvonne Quisumbing, Zean Cabangis, Maxine Syjuco, Richard Quebral, Robert Alejandro, Rodel Tapaya, Willie De Vera, Beth Parrocha, Eugene Jarque, Lydia Velasco, Yeo Kaa, Dex Fernandez, Pete Jimenez, Jacob Lindo, Mac Valdezco, Distort Monsters, Nasser Lubay, Isaiah Cacnio, Antipas Delotavo Jr., Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, Joy Mallari, Mark Justiniani, Tessy Pettyjohn, Jon Pettyjohn, Pamela Yan Santos, John Santos III, Robert Alejandro, and Geraldine Javier.
According to organizers, the works featured in the portfolio box have appeared on the fair’s postcard invitations and at the fair itself over the years, reflecting two decades of artistic excellence.
Beyond the art booths, visitors can also expect food and beverage concessionaires, making the event a casual weekend destination for families, collectors, and first-time buyers.
The fair will also feature live entertainment, including a performance by Filipino-Japanese singer-songwriter Ena Mori. Music will continue throughout the day with curated DJ sets by DJ Gaspar, Bernard Calma of Soulful Mood, and DJ Mav.
Art in the Park is supported by BPI and Globe.
BPI will offer qualified credit cardholders its Flexipay Program, allowing flexible installment options for purchases made during the fair. Globe, meanwhile, will involve students through its Student Program, which gives aspiring creators from different universities the opportunity to document the event while receiving training and exposure to the creative industry.
Admission to the fair is free.
