Now on its twelfth year, ManilART, the national art fair, focuses on 2020 Vision for a Future Reimagined: the role of art and culture remains essential to our identity as a people and necessitates an evolution with the times.
The theme alludes not just to current contexts and concerns, but the precautions necessary to ensure a better way moving forward. This year’s iteration of ManilART will take place from December 9-13 at SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City; the fair’s organizers have placed utmost importance on the safety of its guests, devoting two days to invitational VIP previews with timed entrances in strict observance of contactless registration and the venue’s optimal capacity and flow.
Another three days shall have general admission subject to similar safety protocols and shall be professionally monitored by events partners including Ladder Events Production, Ticketbooth and Safepass.
These measures for everyone’s safety and security extend far beyond the present: these must be assumed as longer-term practices in terms of the art fair, art markets, and the relevant procedures for art and cultural exhibitions in general.
Museums and Galleries Month (MGM) carries on this year with the theme “Engaging Exhibitions for Emerging Generations”: it is observed every month of October by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 798, underscoring art’s role in nation-building and encouraging consciousness of Filipino culture. Their flagship activities such as ManilART and Mindanao Art now have an online component to them, with webinars and lectures to be held alongside their rigorously monitored physical activities.
Aside from the onsite fair, the online edition of ManilART will provide full virtual walkthroughs of the actual physical fair set-up and contents. This offers the visitor an “almost -there” experience via a 360-degree photographic view. This is augmented by the various asynchronous online activities likewise available through the portal as well as links engaging with the participating gallery exhibitors and their respective fair offerings.
In the last week of October, ManilART2020’s web portal kicks off with an interview with renowned artist and art historian Cid Reyes on the nuances of art criticism. In the weeks that follow, the site will host even more activities relating to art education and engagement, which shall culminate with the onsite art fair from December 9 to 13 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City.
ManilART continues to evolve to adapt to the changing world ensuring the place of arts and culture in national life. Art practitioners, exhibitors, and enthusiasts are enjoined to safely and responsibly contribute to the cultural conversation. ManilART is on Facebook and Instagram. Visit us at www.manilartfair.com.
