First Ortigas Art Competition gives next-gen Filipino artists a chance to showcase at Ortigas Art Festival 2027, Art Basel Hong Kong

As the Ortigas Art Festival marks its ninth edition under the theme "Elevate," it takes a momentous step forward in nurturing the future of Filipino creativity. Guided by its core advocacy of "Art for All," the festival officially launched the inaugural Ortigas Art Competition.

Conceived as a multi-stage developmental initiative, the Ortigas Art Competition redefines how emerging Filipino talent is recognized. Rather than focusing on a single piece of artwork, it evaluates the depth of an artist's portfolio and creative journey.

Meet the Ortigas Art Competition finalists. The inaugural Ortigas Art Competition was launched during the 9th Ortigas Art Festival opening ceremony. Out of 45 shortlisted candidates, 24 local artists from all over the Philippines have moved on for a chance to have a solo exhibit at the Ortigas Art Festival 2027 and an immersion trip to Art Basel Hong Kong 2027.

The initiative champions inclusivity across diverse mediums, steering away from the commercial exclusivity of traditional gallery spaces. It celebrates the enduring value of physical, handmade visual art while empowering young painters and sculptors.

Ortigas Malls Vice President Arch. Renee Bacani and Ortigas Art Festival Head Curator and Consultant Renato Habulan recognized the finalists of the Ortigas Art Competition with a medal.

The competition unfolds through a year-long program running from July 2026 to July 2027. It began with 45 shortlisted candidates who underwent a multi-stage portfolio evaluation overseen by seasoned curators and mentors, The candidates were narrowed down to 24 finalists representing local artist collectives and residency programs across the country, including Eskinita Art Farm, Linangan Art Residency, Thombayan Art Space, Collective Artists of Angono, Mindoro Artist Group, and Art Circle Gallery.

Their works will be highlighted in a dedicated pop-up exhibition in January 2027, culminating in the selection of a winner who will receive an all-expenses-paid, curator-accompanied immersion trip to Art Basel Hong Kong 2027. They will also have a featured solo exhibition during the 10th Ortigas Art Festival next year.

The launch of the competition coincides with the 9th Ortigas Art Festival’s broader expansion into literature, film, and theater design at GH Mall. From July 16 to 31, 2026, the free exhibit offers diverse exhibits featuring paintings, sculptures, and many more. Literary works by National Artist Virgilio S. Almario (Rio Alma), a retrospective honoring National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal, and the works of the “Father of Philippine Installation Art” Junyee are also showcased.

Ortigas Art Festival has free film screenings at Cinema 4, Promenade curated in partnership with Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). There are also free workshops that cater to different interests.

As Ortigas Art Festival head curator and consultant Renato Habulan emphasizes, approaching the festival's first decade is about officially passing the torch to a new generation of artists who will carry the Philippine art industry forward. Art enthusiasts and the general public are invited to visit GH Mall from July 16 to 31, 2026 to experience the visual art, literature, and film showcases firsthand.

To stay informed about the Ortigas Art Festival, follow the Ortigas Art Festival Facebook page. For more information and updates on Ortigas Malls events, join Ortigas Malls’ Viber Community and follow GH Mall on Facebook.