The 2026 edition expands to a bigger venue, wider exhibitions, and new curatorial programs.
ALT ART returns this year to stake its claim as one of the Philippines’ most compelling platforms for contemporary art. Now in its fourth edition, the showcase unfolds at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex from February 12 to 15, transforming the venue into a curated environment where scale, discourse, and artistic rigor converge.
Organized by the ALT Collective and presented in collaboration with nine of the country’s most respected galleries—Artinformal, Blanc, The Drawing Room, Galleria Duemila, Finale Art File, MO_Space, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl, and West Gallery—ALT ART 2026 doubles the floor area of its 2024 presentation, with soaring walls reaching up to five meters, allowing works to breathe and command attention with museum-like presence. This expansion provides more room to exhibit the best works in contemporary art and to develop curated projects that further reframe artistic discourse and critical engagement with art in the Philippines.
Artinformal’s Tina Fernandez says, “Each of the nine galleries that form part of the collective represents different artists who are experts in their field and have different points of view. ALT ART presents these different voices in a cohesive manner. Being in a venue that is more accessible to a broader audience fulfills our goal to enable more people from different walks of life to experience these shows.”
The staple Special Projects, presented individually by each gallery, will continue to push conceptual possibilities and expand the showcase’s curatorial scope. Featured exhibitions will include works by Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, Buen Calubayan, Julie Lluch/Kiri Dalena/Ben Brixx, Raffy Napay, MM Yu, Kolown/Christina Lopez, Mauro “Malang” Santos, Lesley-Ann Cao, and Iwan Effendi.
Aiming to offer fresh perspectives in art, which marks another exciting milestone for ALT ART, this edition will unveil the inaugural group of artists featured in the Discoveries Section.
“The Discoveries Program is a platform for artists who we think deserve to garner more attention. Some of these artists are not new, but we feel we have a long journey ahead. The program is also a reminder that with the fast paced turnover of attention, it is a good way for us to step back and slow things down a bit,” explains Jay Amante of Blanc.
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Showcasing exciting and critically engaged practices, the program spotlights artists whose work merits greater visibility and recognition, including JC Mariategue, Jomari T’leon, Joar Songcuya, Allyza Tresvalles, Eric Bico, Gelo Cinco, Joanolasco, Rhaz Oriente, and Marco Ortiga.
“New highlights lead to new interests which lead to new conversations. We aim to bridge the gap between what is established, and what is to be discovered,” adds Mawen Ong of MO_Space.
ALT ART 2026 promises yet another edition full of discoveries, continuing its mission to promote Philippine art and amplify artistic voices for local and international audiences, collectors, and art enthusiasts.
The art showcase is presented by BDO Private Bank, and with special support from Nagaraya. Tickets for public days from February 13 to 15, 2026 are available onsite, (P500 for the public, P 250 for students). Visit www.altphilippines.com and follow @altphilippines on Instagram and Facebook.
