Thousands of art enthusiasts gathered at Mindanao Art 2021—the biggest celebration of Mindanaoan creativity—last October at Poblacion Market Central, the newest lifestyle, shopping and dining destination in Davao.
“The public demand to see the artworks has been overwhelming. We made a lot of artists happy,’’ says Kublai Millan, President of Lawig Diwa Inc., the organizing body behind Mindanao Art 2021.
Over 13,000 people were able to enjoy and support the work of over 300 talents from places all over the region, including Agusan, Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao City, Davao de Oro, Digos, Dipolog, General Santos, Iligan, Mati, North Cotabato, Panabo, Soccsksargen, Samal, Sto. Tomas, Tagum and Zamboanga.
Art enthusiasts ready to experience the works of Mindanaon artists
“We did better than our two previous fairs. Locals are starting to collect artworks. And every gallery has enjoyed its fair share of sales,’’ adds Kublai.
Considering the COVID-19 situation, event organizers offered visitors two ways to enjoy the exhibit: virtually through the Mindanao Art website and Facebook page; and on-ground at Poblacion Market Central, where visitors were allowed inside on an appointment basis while observing health and safety protocols.
This year’s theme, “Art in Between: Mindanao Art in Liminal Space”, is about our current situation, where we find ourselves in a space of ambiguity and disorientation as a result of the pandemic.
Sharing their interpretation of the theme were some of the biggest names in the local art scene, including National Artist Abdulmari Imao and luminaries like Dominic Rubio, Vic Secuya, Kublai Millan, and Vic Dumaguing. The art fair was also an avenue to showcase bright, young talents like Dan Ivan Sepalagio, Art Bongawan, Marco Lorenzo Belen, and more.
A few of the 3000 amazing artworks featured during the event
”As the developer behind Poblacion Market Central, Alsons Dev is committed to supporting local talent. With the pandemic affecting the livelihood of artists, they need everyone’s support to sustain their daily needs. We are grateful for having the opportunity to give artists a platform to showcase their works through Mindanao Art at Poblacion Market Central,’’ says Eric dela Costa, Alsons Dev Vice President and General Manager.
Alsons Dev employees pose with the butterfly sculpture of Kublai Millan and murals of Jeff Bangot
With the exhibit’s reach and success, Mindanao Art 2021 has garnered more sales than its two past installations. ”Through this year’s exhibit, we have created city-wide appreciation and expanded cultural consciousness while putting food on the artists’ tables,’’ Millan expounds.
Mindanao Art 2021 was sponsored by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts National Committee on Art Galleries (NCCA-NCAG), and various news and media partners.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR POBLACION MARKET CENTRAL?
Lighting of Christmas Trees
On December 8, 2021, two Christmas trees inspired by the Sarimanok will be unveiled to welcome the Holiday season. Davao-based premier florist and event stylist Cameo Luxe took inspiration from the legendary bird of Mindanao folklore to highlight Poblacion Market Central as a brand that promotes Mindanaoan culture and heritage.
Pasko sa Poblacion
From December 8, 2021 to January 8, 2022, a special bazaar will be held for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products as the perfect gifts for the Christmas season. To provide customers with a wide range of shopping and dining choices, the list of participating exhibitors was curated by Alsons Dev. The event will take place at the ground floor of Poblacion Market Central.
Launch of E-Commerce Website
As part of its commitment to finding better ways to serve customers and assist tenants in the ever-changing business environment, Poblacion Market Central—in partnership with Ideahub IT Solutions, Inc.—will soon launch the first-ever virtual mall in Davao City. Updates on this much-awaited project will be revealed soon on Poblacion Market Central’s social media pages.