If you've been looking for a creative way to spend your day without spending on admission, the 9th Ortigas Art Festival is worth adding to your July itinerary. Returning from July 17 to 30, 2026, the festival transforms GH Mall into an open cultural space where visitors can enjoy contemporary art exhibitions, independent films, live performances, and hands-on workshops, all for free.
Now on its ninth year, the festival continues to make art more accessible to everyone, proving that meaningful cultural experiences don't have to be confined to traditional museums and galleries.
This Year's Theme: "Elevate"
The theme "Elevate" reflects how the Ortigas Art Festival has grown from a simple painting exhibition into one of Metro Manila's most anticipated celebrations of Filipino creativity.
Built around its long-standing advocacy of "Art for All," this year's edition invites visitors to experience creativity through multiple forms of artistic expression, from visual arts and immersive installations to cinema, music, dance, and interactive workshops.
According to Renato "Ato" Habulan, Lead Curator of the Ortigas Art Festival:
"The theme 'Elevate' is both a reflection and a call to action. It honors how far the festival has come over nine years, while challenging artists and audiences alike to rise higher, think deeper, and experience art in new and unexpected ways right here in their neighborhood mall."
Celebrating Filipino National Artists
One of the highlights of this year's festival is its tribute to some of the country's most influential cultural figures.
Visitors can explore exhibitions dedicated to:
- National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, presented in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Press
- National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal, through a special exhibition mounted with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
These exhibitions offer a deeper appreciation of the artists whose work has helped shape Philippine literature, theater, and visual culture.
Spotlight on Junyee and Contemporary Filipino Artists
The festival also features acclaimed environmental sculptor Junyee, widely recognized as the "Father of Philippine Installation Art."
Known for transforming natural materials into large-scale installations, Junyee's work demonstrates how art can connect people with both culture and the environment.
Beyond the featured artist, visitors can also discover works from numerous galleries, artist collectives, and creative organizations, including:
- Agos Studio
- Eskinita Art Gallery
- Linangan Art Residency
- Thombayan Art Space
- Art Circle Gallery
- Historia Art Gallery
- Nami Art Gallery
- Collective Artists of Angono
- Mindoro Artists Group
- Pasig Art Club
- Ortigas Foundation
Photography enthusiasts can also visit the Born in Film exhibit showcasing nostalgic and contemporary images from different parts of the Philippines.
Independent Filipino Films Take Center Stage
The 9th Ortigas Art Festival expands beyond visual arts with an impressive lineup of independent films presented in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Moviegoers can enjoy screenings from:
- Cinemartrys
- Alipato at Muog
- Lakbay Sine
- Gawad Alternatibo
- Cinemalaya
The lineup also includes the documentary That We May See, directed by Paul Morales, which revisits the story of Kaisahan on its 50th anniversary.
Works by acclaimed filmmaker Sari Dalena and award-winning short films such as I'm The Best Left Inside My Head by Elian Idoma and Pastil: Parehas Ra Ta'g Kan-on'g Ginakaon by Andrei Francis "Franky" C. Arrocena further enrich the festival's cinematic offerings.
Hands-On Workshops for Every Skill Level
For visitors who prefer creating art instead of simply viewing it, the festival offers a wide variety of free workshops throughout its run.
Participants can explore:
- Acrylic pouring
- Block printing
- Textured plaster art
- Paper cutting
- Sketching
- Storytelling
- Copyright masterclasses by Born in Film
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced creative, the workshops encourage everyone to discover new artistic skills in a welcoming environment.
Supporting the Next Generation of Artists
This year also marks the launch of the Ortigas Art Grant, a new artist development initiative that extends support beyond the festival itself.
Selected artists will develop new works for the festival's 10th anniversary in 2027, with the chosen grantee receiving recognition and an opportunity for international exposure connected to Art Basel Hong Kong 2027.
The program reflects the festival's commitment to nurturing emerging Filipino artists while helping them reach wider audiences.
Why the Ortigas Art Festival Is Worth Visiting
What sets the Ortigas Art Festival apart is its accessibility.
Instead of limiting art appreciation to dedicated gallery spaces, the festival brings creativity into a familiar everyday setting where families, students, aspiring artists, and casual mallgoers can experience Philippine art together.
After nine successful editions, its "Art for All" mission continues to resonate by making culture more approachable and encouraging people to slow down, explore, and discover something unexpected.
Whether you're passionate about contemporary art, independent cinema, photography, or simply looking for an inspiring weekend activity, the 9th Ortigas Art Festival offers a meaningful cultural experience that's open to everyone.
