Gateway Art Fair, Quezon City's most-awaited celebration of visual arts, officially launched its fifth edition with a renewed commitment to supporting Filipino artists, creative communities, and cultural education.
Presented by J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), Gateway Gallery, and Araneta City, and co-presented by Metrobank and in partnership with Megaworld, the Gateway Art Fair will be held from October 1 to 4, 2026, at the Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2. Annually held since 2022, the event reinforces JAAF's main goal of opening gateways to opportunities.
In a press conference held on September 22, JAAF formalized partnerships with the UP College of Fine Arts, represented by Dean Prof. Abdulmari Asia Imao, through a memorandum of agreement. JAAF also turned over art materials to children under the care of the Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities, Inc. (PACDLD), represented by its president, Jean Gonzales.
The event also featured a panel discussion with select Gateway Art Fair participants, including representatives from Yaru Nu Artes Ivatan, Mindoro Artists Group, Jose Velasco Art, and Gateway Gallery.
Now in its fifth year, the Gateway Art Fair is providing a platform for over 200 artists and art groups from all over the country- the biggest number of participants yet - not only through the four-day fair itself but also through year-round developmental and support initiatives.
To prepare for this year's fair, JAAF partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry - National Capital Region (DTI-NCR) for a capacity-building seminar exclusive to its exhibitors at the Gateway Cineplex on September 3. The session was designed with the help of participating artists who requested guidance on digital marketing, branding, and creative entrepreneurship.
The Gateway Art Fair is also gearing up to launch its first-ever Gateway Art Fair Awards, which aims to uplift local artistic talent through specialty-sculpted trophies and prizes sponsored by Boysen Paint Philippines and Art Bar. Categories include the Gateway Art Fair Masterpiece Award, Breakthrough Artist Award, and Exhibit of the Year Award. These will be presented during the Art Fair's opening on October 1.
Beyond showcasing artworks, the Art Fair will offer opportunities for the public to engage with art more deeply through three days of art workshops such as mandala-making, collaborative drawing, soft sculpture, and relief and rubber cutting. Prof. Toym Imao of UP College of Fine Arts will also lead a talk on the impact of AI in art education. These free activities will run from October 2 to 4 at Gateway Mall 1.
Visitors can further immerse themselves in art through art installations designed by local artists. These include artworks by Chris Luca on the struggles of commuting; Elias Pernecita Jr. on art and sustainability; and Nina Chanco Libatique with an interactive, playful artwork for pets. These are all located at Levels 3 and 4 of Gateway Mall 2.
"Our core mission has always been simple. Every doorway we unlock for an artist opens a dozen more for our culture and economy," said Diane Romero, AVP for JAAF. "When we open doors together, we don't just showcase art; we empower lives. Let's walk through these new gateways together and make the fifth edition of Gateway Art Fair our most vibrant one yet."