The Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI)’s annual fundraiser showcasing Filipino craftwork MaArte Fair is coming back this August, but with a twist. Dubbed MaArte oPen House, “the 2019 edition however will offer a different shopping experience from previous years,” says MFPI President Albert Avellana. “Instead of The Peninsula Manila’s gallery, the fair will take place in a designated guest floor, with exhibitors spread out across 29 guest rooms, from which they can showcase their pieces and engage with shoppers,” he explains.
The new layout is inspired by the legendary early 2000s open-door parties of the Syquia apartments, a historic series of Art Deco buildings that housed an artist colony in Malate. “At that time, Syquia was a known enclave of artists, fashion designers, publishers, and other creatives,” says MFPI board member Mico Manalo.
“Around Christmas time, the residents would designate a date wherein guests can move from one apartment to another to party and socialize. There was a sense of community and openness then. That melding of the creative spirit and hospitality is what we aim to recreate during the fair.”
The oPen House will have over 60 exhibitors such as well-known names Tim Tam Ong, PioPio, Aranaz, Haute Home Manila, Micki Olaguer, Siklo, and so on, and new faces like Pika Pika+Pinta, Coco and Tres, Joel Escober, and Maco Custodio from last year’s Pinoy Mancave. The fair will also feature Tatsulok, a special collaborative project between Natalya Lagdameo, Filip+Inna and Balay ni Atong, as well as foodstuff by Auro Chocolates, Green Babes, and Felicisimo Gourmet Homecooking.
As always, admission to the MaArte Fair is free and open to the general public. Alongside the annual fundraiser, the MFPI will also hold MaArte Talks, a series of conversations with select business owners who can offer new entrepreneurial tips and insights.
For more information, you can check out the MaArte Fair Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also contact the MFPI at 02-404.2685 or through their email maartefair@gmail.com.
Featured photo courtesy of last year’s MaArte Fair
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