Tubo Cebu Art Fair and Cebu Art Book Fair Join Forces to Elevate Cebuano Artistry

Tubô Cebu Art Fair and Cebu Art Book Fair press conference panel (L-R): Arts Council of Cebu Foundation representative Maya Franco, Tubô Cebu Art Fair Curator Jay Jore, Tubô Cebu Art Fair Director Allen Tan, Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, Cebu Art Book Fair co-founder Marc Abuan, Anton Lin, Event Director Carl Rabor, and Cebu Art Book Fair co-founder Mark Deutsch.

The highly anticipated Tubo Cebu Art Fair returns for its 6th year, this time coinciding with Cebu Art Book Fair (CABF) to create an unprecedented celebration of Cebuano creativity.

From August 30 to September 1, 2024, Ayala Center Cebu will transform into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, showcasing the best of Cebu’s visual arts and independent publishing scenes.

Tubo Cebu Art Fair: Ascend to New Artistic Heights

Under the theme “ASCEND,” Tubo Cebu Art Fair continues its mission to provide a platform for local artists to reach new heights. Since its humble beginnings in 2018 with just 30 booths, Tubô has grown exponentially, now with over 100 booths and more than 600 artists from across the Philippines.

“This year, we exhort participating artists to explore new methods, materialities, and concepts,” says Jay Nathan Jore, Fair Curator. “We encourage experimentation, the use of new media and technology in their creative processes.”

Visitors can expect to be immersed in a variety of art forms, from contemporary paintings and sculptures to mixed media installations and digital art. Interactive workshops and artist talks will provide insights into the creative processes behind the artwork, with renowned Filipino artist Emmanuel Garibay among the featured speakers.

To highlight the collaborative and community-centered spirit of Tubô Cebu Art Fair, the Image of the Fair was initiated, bringing together senior artists and emerging young talents on a single canvas. This collective work follows the theme of the year’s art fair and serves as the centerpiece of the various fair exhibitions.

Moreover, a special installation by acclaimed contemporary artist Mark Salvatus is expected to engage viewers in a multisensory experience.

In addition to presenting a wide array of regional artists and groups, Tubô Cebu Art Fair 2024 also includes a specially curated Signature Collection, with exceptional one-of-a-kind pieces from esteemed artists led by Romulo Galicano.

Also not to be missed are the screenings of the winning short films from CITU’s Camvas Film Competition and the performances by Cebu Pop Music stalwarts, Lourdes and Jerika Teororico, who have garnered recognition for their unique sound and captivating performances.

Tubô Cebu Art Fair is proudly presented by the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation, Inc., the Local Government of Cebu City, Cebu City Arts Month, and Ayala Center Cebu with support from Jose T. Joya Gallery, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Virginia, D+B Wines Spirits, Black Smokehaus, Pepper Lunch, Islands Souvenirs, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Quest Hotel, and Shakey’s.

Cebu Art Book Fair: Unleashing the Power of Self-Publishing

Back for its third edition, CABF shines a light on young creators, offering a unique focus on self-publishing culture.

CABF will open on August 31 at Level 1 of Ayala Center Cebu, to share the practice of creating and releasing zines, art books, independent magazines, and other ways to tell stories and spread ideas through do-it-yourself methods.

Founded in 2022 by designer Marc Abuan and local design studio Happy Garaje, CABF has quickly become a staple in the Cebu art scene.

This year’s event will feature over 20 booths and 30 artists, with notable participants like National Book Awardee Rob Cham and emerging design studios Eclectic Haus and Sagedvice Studio. Highlights include a forum with Dapat Studio and a zine-sharing session with South Korean design studio Supersonic Studio.

The fair’s program also includes a poster show at Atua Midtown titled “Maayong Bungkag,” along with a series of talks and workshops designed to foster creativity and exchange ideas.

An Unmissable Cultural Extravaganza

The partnership between Tubô Cebu Art Fair and CABF marks a significant moment in Cebu’s art community, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the city’s rich creative landscape. Both events are supported by the Cebu City Government as part of its Arts Month celebration.

From traditional visual arts to cutting-edge independent publishing, this combined event promises to be a feast for the senses and a testament to Cebu’s ascending artistic prowess.

The fairs are officially partnered with pioneer public relations agency PRWorks. Their official media partners include Sunstar, The Freeman, and MyTV Cebu.

Don’t miss this extraordinary convergence of Cebuano talent and creativity. Mark your calendars for August 30 to September 1, 2024, at Ayala Center Cebu. Admission is free for both fairs.

For more information, visit @tubocebu and @cebuabf on Instagram.