The Bonifacio Global City is known for its skyscrapers and undeniable cosmopolitan ambience. Almost every corner of the city is splashed with modern art and sculptures that have been a part of the city landscape for a few years now.
In fact, BGC is the only city in the country that can brag about having the most interesting display of street art that is accessible, interactive (it can be experienced without complicated explanations), stimulating, engaging and educational all at the same time. Thanks to Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI), the artistic and the cultural arm of the city that manages the public art program responsible for erecting several artpieces around BGC.
In reinforcing its mission to make art truly interwoven into the very fabric of everyday life in the city, BAFI brings the first arts and culture initiative called ArtBGC NextAct One Festival. This festival is a weeklong event that brings internationally acclaimed artists together with the Filipino artistic community to paint murals across BGC’s cityscape.
Also touted to be the first of its kind in the country, ArtBGC NextAct One Festival hopes to create both a unique sense of place and build an experiential atmosphere for both local residents and foreign visitors to BGC. The aim is to showcase the inclusive nature of public art by creating larger than life paintings on building walls.
It is a visual treat to street art aficionados as BAFI collaborates with LeBasse Projects who is most known for their projects in the United States and around Asia. They brought in multidisciplinary artists, namely FAILE, Nate Frizzell, CYRCLE, Drew Merritt, AKA Corleone, and Kristin Farr, who, together with the likes of Filipino artists Egg Fiasco and Anjo Bolarda, transform BGC walls into artistic spaces.
On May 26, these artists started turning the walls of One Global Place, Bonifacio Technology Center, Icon Plaza, C1 Building Bonifacio High Street Central, and The Palace Pool Club into massive `paintings that reflect the vibrant culture of the city. Smaller facades in Bonifacio High Street also had their artist makeover.
On May 30, a closing party will be held at Bonifacio High Street Central Amphitheater. The art-centric culmination of this festival will showcase live painting from 16 local artists accompanied by acts from DJs and bands like Severo, BP Valenzuela, She’s Only Sixteen, Techy Romantics, Taken By Cars and Pupil.
The festival (open to the public) will also feature pop-up restaurants and art activities, including freedom wall painting, photography contests, tours, and a public film fest.
Children’s Arts Festival
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) once again open its doors to children and young people through a 3-day festival filled with workshops, film showing and performances.
The main activities include storytelling, shadow puppetry, visual arts, creative sound and music, creative drama, hip-hop dancing and creative writing, which will be facilitated by PETA Artist-Teachers and Members.
Part of the performances showcase is the restaging of Christine Bellen’s Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, one of PETA’s longest running musical for children, and Liza Magtoto’s Rated-PG, an advocacy musical that discusses the issues of Corporal Punishment.
The festival will run from May 29 to 31 at PETA Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City.