The fourth edition expands to a bigger venue with new curatorial programs, spotlighting an exciting range of Philippine contemporary art
Manila, Philippines — ALT ART marks its most anticipated return with a bigger venue, expanded exhibitions, and dynamic public programs at the SMX Manila Halls 1 & 2 on February 13 to 15, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
ALT ART 2026 is the collective’s fourth edition, its most ambitious thus far, featuring works of over 300 artists displayed in over 5,000 square meters of exhibition space. This expansion continues the collective’s “pro-artist” ethos, providing more room to best present contemporary art and develop curated projects that encourage experimentation, discourse and critical engagement.
ALT ART is organized by the ALT Collective, comprised of nine of the country’s premier galleries: Artinformal, Blanc, The Drawing Room, Galleria Duemila, Finale Art File, MO_Space, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl, and West Gallery. A representative from The Drawing Room states: “ALT was established as a deliberate act of authorship…as a considered decision to shape a space on our own terms… to allow nine galleries to present their programs with clarity and depth, to focus on their artists without compromise. The value of this model is in the quality of attention it affords—to artists, to ideas, and to the experience of art itself.”
The ALT Collective’s deep involvement from the ground up, together with their collaborator All At Once, ensures cohesive branding, spatial design, and public programming that complement the gallery exhibits anchoring the show. Baby Imperial of All At Once says: “The first quarter of a new millennium ends; a time of shifts and ruptures rendering visible the invisible, exposing structures to reveal what lies beneath and within, enabling deconstructions and dismantlings of outdated systems, beliefs and hierarchies—political, social or cultural—in pursuit of fluidity, hybridity, of reconstructing new narratives for the 21st century.”
Tina Fernandez of Artinformal
Jay Amante of Blanc
Silvana Ancellotti-Diaz of Galleria Duemila
Mawen Ong of MO_Space
Cesar Villalon Jr. of The Drawing Room
Pia Reyes and Gaby dela Merced of Vinyl on Vinyl
Isabel Santos of West Gallery
Stephanie Frondoso, Curator and Art Critic
ALT ART’s staple PROJECT SPACES will continue to push conceptual possibilities, featuring works by Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, Buen Calubayan, Julie Lluch, Kiri Dalena and Ben Brixx, Raffy Napay, MM Yu, Kolown and Christina Lopez, Mauro Malang Santos, Lesley-Ann Cao, and Iwan Effendi. Nagraya will co-present a dedicated space for multimedia artist Miguel Lorenzo Uy.
New to this year is the DISCOVERIES SECTION, which aims to offer fresh perspectives through artists whose exciting and critically engaged practices merit greater visibility and recognition. This inaugural platform spotlights JC Mariategue, Jomari T’leon, Joar Songcuya, Allyza Tresvalles, Eric Bico, Gelo Cinco, Joanolasco, Rhaz Oriente, and Marco Ortiga.
A conversations program will be held on all public days at the BDO Conversations Lounge. They are scheduled at 2pm and 4pm daily.
ALT ART 2026 is presented in partnership with BDO Private Banking, co-presented by Nagaraya and supported by The Friends of ALT, Boysen, Samsung, The Moment Group, Terry’s Bistro, Arc Gin, Savea Bay City Manila, Lifestyle Asia, Bluprint, and Lifestyle Inquirer. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.ticket2me.net/event/22773 and are priced at P250 for students and P500 for regular visitors.
