Cradled by the waters between Panay and Negros Islands, Guimaras has long been shaped by its rich biodiversity, intangible cultural heritage, and enduring traditions of craftsmanship. Its rolling farmlands of mangoes, dragon fruit, cashew, and vegetables, together with productive fishing grounds, white-sand beaches, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, have fostered a profound sense of place that continues to inspire artistic expression.

Over the years, the island has nurtured a vibrant community of painters, sculptors, and artisans whose works draw inspiration from its natural beauty and abundance, enriching not only the political and economic life of Western Visayas but also its creative and cultural landscape.

Today, this creative legacy is carried forward by a new generation of Guimaras artists who see art as more than a reflection of their surroundings. For them, it is a means of preserving memory, sharing history, affirming identity, and bringing their stories, traditions, and lived experiences to a broader audience.

These narratives have found a platform through Art for Everyone 2026 at SM City Iloilo. Building on the momentum of the First Guimaras Iwag sang Kabataan Arts Festival 2026, held in April, the exhibition and art fair have opened new opportunities for Guimaras artists—not only by providing a venue to showcase their works, but also by enabling them to engage with the public, exchange ideas with fellow artists, and connect with the region’s artistic community.

This year, Guimaras is among the largest contingents participating in Art for Everyone, with more than 100 artists of different ages representing four major groups: DUAG Young Artists, Kuris-Kuris Art Teens Guimaras, Pinta Aya Guimaras Artists, and Subli Artists Guimaras Inc. (SAGI). Their strong participation reflects the island’s flourishing artistic community and its commitment to nurturing both emerging and established creative voices.

Their participation is likewise part of the buildup activities for Guimaras’ hosting of the Visayas Islands Visual Arts Exhibition and Conference (VIVA ExCon) in 2027, which will be held on the island for the first time since the biennale was founded in 1989 by Black Artists in Asia. Through this exhibition, Guimaras artists are not only showcasing the richness of the island’s creative community but also helping build momentum for this landmark gathering of Visayan artists and cultural workers.

Broadening Horizons 

Many Guimaras artists see Art for Everyone as an opportunity to broaden their horizons and build meaningful connections. “The exhibition is like a bridge that connects us with fellow artists, cultural stakeholders, academics, and art collectives across the region,” said Mary Grace Magbanua of DUAG Artists, an organization dedicated to nurturing young creatives.

Magbanua noted that while Guimaras has a vibrant artistic community, opportunities for local artists to exhibit beyond the island and engage with fellow practitioners remain limited.

“Our local artists have limited opportunities to exhibit their works beyond the island and to learn from one another and from fellow artists. That is why we see Art for Everyone as a valuable opportunity that offers more than just a venue for exposure.”

For many participants, especially children and young artists, the exhibition becomes a meaningful learning experience. It allows them to better understand the complex art ecosystem while gaining exposure to diverse artistic styles, media, subjects, and creative approaches.

“This regional platform can help broaden the perspectives of our local artists, allowing them to learn from the practices and experiences of more established artists,” Magbanua said.

Beyond the exhibition itself, Art for Everyone enables Guimaras artists to build connections within the wider creative community, opening opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and future exhibitions—all of which contribute to their artistic growth.

For Magbanua, the significance of Art for Everyone also lies in affirming the value of children’s creativity. By encouraging young people to express their ideas and emotions through art, the exhibition becomes not only a celebration of young minds but also an investment in cultivating the next generation of Filipino artists.

While Magbanua emphasizes the role of art in fostering young creatives, Vince Ladio, one of the founders of Pinta Aya Guimaras Artists, views Art for Everyone as an opportunity to share Guimaras’ distinct artistic identity to new audiences. 

“Every artwork in the exhibition carries a piece of Guimaras—its culture, heritage, memories, imagination, and lived experiences—allowing audiences to better understand the collective vision of the province and its people,” said Ladio.

“Through these creative expressions, the island’s story extends beyond its natural beauty and economic contributions, becoming part of a shared regional narrative,” Ladio added. His group was formed to celebrate creativity, provide a safe space for artists to grow, support people in coping with life’s darkest moments, use art for healing, and celebrate the beauty of life.

According to Ladio, each exhibition staged at SM City Iloilo has contributed to a growing appreciation of Guimaras, as the island’s stories resonate with those of other communities and find their place within the country’s cultural landscape.

Ladio also shared that the impact of art extends beyond exhibitions and into the lives of those who create and experience it. He has witnessed how creativity can become a shared language within families—a source of connection, reflection, and healing. “Some parents, after seeing their children’s passion for painting, have been inspired to discover and pursue their own artistic expression,” he said.

As an example, Ladio pointed to “Ginsubli ni Nanay” by Mary Gay Hisu-an (second from left below). The artwork tells the poignant story of a mother who lost her child, a young artist who left behind an unfinished painting. In an act of love and remembrance, she completed the work, preserving her child’s passion while finding comfort and healing through the creative process.

‘Art for Every Juan’

Meanwhile, Frank Alexi Nobleza, an architect by vocation and one of the leaders of SUBLI Artists Guimaras, describes Art for Everyone through the lens of community participation and collective support.

In Nobleza’s view, the exhibition underscores the importance of creating inclusive spaces where artists of different ages, experiences, and backgrounds can come together, participate, and gain recognition. “Our participation reflects how a creative community is built through shared opportunities and the support systems that allow artists to thrive,” he said.

“SM City Iloilo is a welcoming venue for everyone, regardless of age or artistic experience. Through Art for Everyone, it truly becomes ‘Art for Every Juan,'” Nobleza said. Referring to the familiar Filipino name “Juan,” the phrase emphasizes that art is accessible to everyone and that every artist deserves a place to be seen and celebrated.

Nobleza also emphasized that every young artist’s journey is shaped by a community that believes in their potential—from parents who nurture their children’s passion and support them in workshops and exhibitions to schools and teachers who provide guidance and opportunities to develop their talents.

In many ways, raising an artist in Guimaras reflects the familiar belief that it takes a village.

“Family and community support is a major source of motivation for young artists to continue creating, grow in their craft, and become active contributors to the island’s evolving cultural movement,” he said.

Taken together, the perspectives of Guimaras’ creative community leaders reveal the broader significance of Art for Everyone for the island’s artists. More than an exhibition of artworks, the event has become a space where stories are shared, creativity is nurtured, and communities are strengthened through a shared appreciation for art. In doing so, it also advances Guimaras’ efforts to strengthen its creative sector and harness the arts as a catalyst for cultural, social, and local development.

Visit Art for Everyone at the Lower Ground Floor of SM City Iloilo Northpoint. The exhibition opened July 13 and will run until July 26, 2026.