Art for All Goes Next-Level: 9th Ortigas Art Festival Elevates Filipino Creativity at GH Mall
For nine years, the Ortigas Art Festival has championed the advocacy of making art accessible.
This year, it steps up with “Elevate”—introducing multi-sensory experiences, legendary tribute exhibits, and a life-changing grant for emerging local talent.
What happens when you mix your casual weekend mall run with museum-grade masterpieces, award-winning indie films, and hands-on masterclasses?
You get the 9th Ortigas Art Festival. Running from July 17 to 30, 2026 at the newly vibrant GH Mall, this year’s festival transforms the heart of the shopping center into a free, multidisciplinary hub of pure creativity.
Under the theme “Elevate,” the festival transcends traditional canvas displays to deliver a multi-sensory celebration spanning visual arts, immersive installations, live performances, and cinema.
“The theme ‘Elevate’ is both a reflection and a call to action,” shares Renato “Ato” Habulan, Lead Curator of the Ortigas Art Festival. “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 unexpected ways right here in their neighborhood mall.”
Honoring Legends, Supporting New Visionaries
This year’s edition strikes a perfect balance between honoring Philippine art history and actively building its future.
The Spotlight Exhibits
The festival is paying homage to some of the country’s most influential cultural icons through major partnerships:
National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario: Featured in a special collaboration with the University of the Philippines (UP) Press.
National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal: His legendary design legacy comes alive via an exhibition mounted in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Father of Philippine Installation Art, Junyee: Headlining as this year’s featured artist, the environmental sculptor brings his signature massive, organic installations that beautifully blur the line between nature and art.
The Inaugural Ortigas Art Grant
In a massive win for up-and-coming Filipino creators, the festival has officially launched the Ortigas Art Grant. This artist development initiative supports participating artists beyond the duration of the show. Shortlisted artists will showcase new works in 2027, with the final grantee receiving a spotlight during the festival’s landmark 10th anniversary—plus an international exposure opportunity tied to Art Basel Hong Kong 2027.
A Vibrant Community of Collectives
The gallery experience at GH Mall is incredibly diverse, thanks to an impressive lineup of participating art spaces, regional groups, and independent collectives:
Participating Galleries & Collectives
Why You Should Stop By
Agos Studio
Celebrating the momentous 50th anniversary of Kaisahan.
Collective Artists of Angono
Brining the distinct flavor and legacy of the Philippines’ Art Capital.
Born in Film
A photography exhibit showcasing nostalgic and contemporary snaps from across the archipelago.
Regional & Local Hubs
Eskinita Art Gallery, Linangan Art Residency, Thombayan Art Space, Art Circle Gallery, Historia Art Gallery, Nami Art Gallery, Mindoro Artists Group, Pasig Art Club, and the Ortigas Foundation.
Indie Cinema & Live Performances
Art at the festival is constantly in motion. The cinematic lineup—curated in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the CCP—features nightly screenings of thought-provoking feature films and acclaimed shorts, including:
Cinemartyrs and Alipato at Muog
CCP’s Lakbay Sine, Gawad Alternatibo, and Cinemalaya selections
The documentary That We May See (directed by Paul Morales), documenting 50 years of the Kaisahan collective
Award-winning shorts like Elian Idoma’s I’m The Best Left Inside My Head (2025) and Andrei Francis “Franky” C. Arrocena’s Pastil: Parehas Ra Ta’g Kan-on’g Ginakaon (2025). For music and performing arts lovers, the opening ceremonies set a grand tone with live performances from the prestigious Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Quartet and dynamic dance showcases.
From Passion to Practice: Free Interactive Workshops
If you’ve ever wanted to unleash your inner artist, the festival is offering a jam-packed schedule of free workshops and masterclasses. No prior experience is required—just bring your curiosity!
Hands-on Crafts: Acrylic pouring, block printing, textured plaster art, paper cutting, and sketching.
Creative Literacy: Storytelling sessions and essential Copyright Masterclasses hosted by Born in Film.
What makes the Ortigas Art Festival so special year after year is its unapologetic dedication to democratic art.
You don’t need to be an elite collector or a seasoned critic to walk in. Whether you’re a family enjoying a weekend stroll, a student discovering the grit of local indie cinema, or a hobbyist photographer looking for inspiration, there is a corner here designed to speak to you.
After nine years, “Art for All” is no longer just a tagline—it’s proof that sometimes, the most profound inspiration is waiting for you right around the corner at your local mall.
To stay updated on workshop schedules, artist features, and daily announcements, follow the official Ortigas Art Festival Facebook Page.
For more updates on events across Ortigas Malls, join the Ortigas Malls Viber Community and follow GH Mall on Facebook.
