Tubô Cebu Art Fair 2025 Celebrates ‘Provenance’ with Record Crowds and Local Talent
The Tubô Cebu Art Fair 2025, held from August 29 to 31, attracted artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to the city. This year's event, themed 'Provenance', showcased Cebu's rich artistic heritage and emerging talent. The fair featured a special collection by Martino Abellana, often referred to as the Dean of Cebuano Painters.
The fair's inception in 2018 was spearheaded by Jeffrey Patnala and Anton Diaz, and it has since grown into a significant cultural event. Fair Director Allen Arvin Tan expressed gratitude to the community for their continued support in expanding the fair's reach.
The opening day saw the launch of 'Si Jimsky ug ang Tanghaga sa Balay sa Balay sa Agta', a new book by Josua Cabrera. Visitors also admired 'The Image of the Fair', a curated exhibit of works by Jonathan Abellana, Khriss Bajade, Gabi Nazareno, and John Villoria.
On August 30, the street art collective Writer's Block, led by Nark, Noer, and Kane, created a live mural at the event. Artists sold their pieces directly to buyers, with proceeds benefiting the Arts Council of Cebu's education initiatives.
The fair concluded with 'Tubô Talks', featuring a panel on Cebu's contemporary art provenance. Additional sessions offered guidance for aspiring artists. Media partners such as Agimat, Keetaph, Art+ Magazine, MYTV, Cebu Daily News Digital, and PRWorks, Inc. helped promote the event.
The Tubô Cebu Art Fair 2025 united creators, buyers, and supporters under one theme. Through exhibitions, discussions, and sales, the event reinforced Cebu's role in the Philippines' art scene. Proceeds from the fair will continue funding local arts education programs.
