Twenty years of accessible art, now with a playful twist

Scenes from Art in the Park 2025 | Photo from Art in the Park

For two decades, Art in the Park has been dismantling the white walls of traditional gallery structures. Instead of an intimidating, hushed art-viewing setting, often reserved for the elite, the fair takes place literally in a park, with tents under trees, live music drifting through the air, and a refreshment in hand.

Now in its 20th year, the beloved one-day affair at Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village has become something of a fixture, in an annual event that people look forward to, detouring from usual Sunday strolls.

And for its milestone anniversary, Art in the Park is adding a little mystery and excitement to the mix, with a commemorative portfolio box of special edition prints.

One of the detailed prints by Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan

The elusive special edition prints

This year, park-goers will have the opportunity to obtain special edition prints in a commemorative portfolio box. With two sets totaling over 40 prints, each box features a curated selection of prints from both established and emerging Filipino artists, beautifully printed by Cartellino on Hahnemühle paper. The thing is, you won’t know what set of prints you’re going to get, depending on the box you pick.

Leading this year’s special presentation is Filipina artist Ayka Go, whose work often begins with delicate paper constructions before translating into paintings that feel almost weightless. Known for her intricate collages and her transformation of three-dimensional forms into ethereal compositions, Go invites viewers into her world of memory and materiality.

Also among the artists whose works will be included in the special edition prints are Ambie Abaño, Agnes Arellano, Robert Alejandro, Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, Anna Bautista, Bea Camacho, Bjorn Calleja, Charlie Co, Zean Cabangis, Isaiah Cacnio, Clarence Chun, Joey de Castro, Daniel dela Cruz, Antipas Delotavo Jr., Pepe Delfin, Dex Fernandez, Manny Garibay, Pete Jimenez, Mark Justiniani, Eugene Jarque, Joy Mallari, AR Manalo, Jacob Lindo, Nasser Lubay, Leeroy New, Demi Padua, Lynyrd Paras, Beth Parrocha, Richard Quebral, Carlo Tanseco, Jomike Tejido, Maxine Syjuco, TRNZ, Tessy Pettyjohn, Jon Pettyjohn, Marina Cruz, Mac Valdezco, Lydia Velasco, Rodel Tapaya, Distort Monsters, Kabunyan de Guia, Willie De Vera, Yeo Kaa, and Yvonne Quisumbing.

For those who have long admired these artists but may not yet be ready for the price of an original work, these prints offer an accessible way to begin collecting, very much aligned with the spirit of Art in the Park.

With two sets totaling over 40 prints, each box features a curated selection of prints from both established and emerging Filipino artists,

Regular programming

While the special edition prints are a highlight that collectors are especially eager for (you might even spot a few primed and ready at the gate on the morning of the fair), Art in the Park will continue its regular programming.

Over 55 exhibitors will be on the green, representing a vibrant mix of galleries, collectives, independent spaces, and student groups. From established spaces like Archivo 1984 to Art Underground, Avellana Art Gallery, Vinyl on Vinyl, and White Walls Gallery; ceramics by Cornerstone Pottery; books from iStorya Studios; innovative newcomers like Fuse Projects and Space Encounters Gallery; to schools such as UP Artists’ Circle and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the fair offers something for every kind of art lover.

Prices remain relatively accessible, with works capped at P70,000. This is an increase from past years, perhaps reflecting both market trends and the growing interest in Filipino art. BPI credit cardholders can also take advantage of flexipay, allowing six-month zero-interest installments on purchases.

Beyond the thrill of discovering new works, a portion of all sales goes directly to the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, as always. With this longstanding, 20-year partnership, both the foundation and the mini fair continue their original mission to preserve the country’s cultural and historical heritage. In recognition of Art in the Park’s decades-long impact, the foundation is also presenting a new grant named after the event, the Art in the Park: NMP Legacy Grant. The Museum Foundation continues to offer grant opportunities that focus on research in the realm of museum studies, archives, and architecture, as well as books on cultural research and heritage projects.

EJ Espiritu, Shell Bowl at Cornerstone Pottery | Photo from Art in the Park

20 years of open-air creativity

For 20 years, Art in the Park has been open to all. And ever since, it has expanded from an artistic viewing experience to a multi-sensory afternoon soaking in living music and exploring food and drink stalls. Sunhat and sunscreen on hand, the festive outdoor atmosphere is a breath of fresh air after the busyness of Art Month, just a few weeks before.

Admission is totally free, making it easy to spend the day wandering through stacks of work by Filipino artists, toasting to twenty years of creativity under the lush awning of Art in the Park’s same trees.

And ultimately, celebrate a day that’s full of warmth (not just in weather, although that is also the case), but in the spirit of an imaginative, open Filipino creative community.