Visayas Art Fair 2025 Shines as a Beacon of Resilience and Community Support

The Visayas Art Fair (VAF), held from November 15 to 18, 2025, stood out this year not only as a celebration of creativity but also as a powerful symbol of hope and solidarity. Defying the notion that art is a luxury to be sidelined in times of crisis, the fair, now in its fifth edition and organized by the Cebu Culture Art and Design Foundation, embraced the theme "Infinite Perspectives: Unbound Creativity." Located on the 12th floor of Oakridge Studio in Mandaue City, Cebu, the event featured expressive works that echoed the resilience of communities affected by recent calamities.

Amidst ongoing earthquakes, typhoons—particularly the recent Typhoon Tino—and endemic corruption shaking public trust, local artists transformed their experiences and frustrations into compelling visual narratives. James Donn-Webb’s pieces, marked with tangible damage from the typhoon, captured loss with stark honesty rather than pity. Elsewhere, bold colors and dynamic installations conveyed anger and resistance, directly addressing issues of governance and greed exacerbating disaster impacts.

One notable exhibit, "Crocodylus corruptus biped," invited participants to confront corruption by painting on crocodile figures symbolizing the forces undermining the nation. This interactive installation exemplified how the fair provided a space for open dissent and civic engagement, using art as a tool to amplify collective outrage and raise awareness.

Recognizing the ongoing suffering caused by Typhoon Tino, the organizers dedicated proceeds from ticket sales to assist flood victims and established a donation drive, including a toy collection for affected children. This approach reinforced the fair’s role as an active participant in community relief efforts rather than a detached event.

Beyond political expression, the fair highlighted art’s therapeutic value. Visitors gathered around canvases and installations as if sharing intimate stories, creating moments of collective healing. Intimate artworks depicted everyday struggles and recovery, such as an acrylic painting of a damaged home and an installation featuring mud-stained bikes and boots retrieved from floodwaters. A poignant piece titled "Luha ni Tino" presented a gallon filled with 30 liters of floodwater, symbolizing the disaster’s tangible impact.

The event also emphasized the strong connection between visual arts and the creative economy, aligning with Cebu’s vision to become a recognized creative city. By fostering cultural vitality, the fair not only contributes to emotional recovery but also supports sustainable livelihoods and economic diversity in the region.

Ultimately, the Visayas Art Fair 2025 demonstrated that art is not merely a reflection of hardship but an empowering instrument of resistance, unity, and renewal. It inspired communities to confront challenges head-on and envision a future enriched by creativity and cultural strength.