MANILA, Philippines – When you hear the word “art,” paintbrushes gliding across a canvas or bursts of color dominating a piece of paper are likely the first things you will think of. 

But art — most especially in the Philippines — is quite literally all around us. 

Art is in the simple tune your neighbor hums while watering their plants in the morning. Art is in the string of rhythmic physical movements school children carry out as they practice for a performance at a public park. It’s even in the intricate designs you see in houses and buildings, from the shapes they take to the delicate patterns that make their way onto metal gates.

This National Arts Month, we’re going to see all these art forms and more come together to spark courage and push for truth. 

Different regions to foster collaboration across all art forms

Taking on the theme “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting (Product of Art: Truth and Courage),” the 2026 National Arts Month will run for the whole month of February, opening with a grand launch on February 1 at Luneta Park in Manila. 

Artists specializing in the disciplines of architecture and allied arts, cinema, dance, dramatic arts, literary arts, music, and visual arts are meant to work in synergy with each other throughout the month to show exactly how the different art forms work in tandem to bring forth peace and development. 

It will be observed across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with each of the regions spearheading its own initiatives that focus on specific art form pairings. 

Luzon’s celebration of the National Arts Month will consist of art workshops and theater performances honing in on the fields of dramatic arts and architecture and the allied arts. It will be held in Los Baños, Laguna, from February 18 to 20. 

Taking on the sub-theme of “Pag-uswag han Tawo ngan Kalibungan (Climate Justice),” Visayas’ celebration focuses on showing that the fields of art and environmental sustainability aren’t as far off as one would think. The celebration actually opened in advance on January 12 with a series of talks and is set to close with a workshop on the intersections between art and climate justice on February 18 in Palo, Leyte. 

Mindanao’s celebration, meanwhile, will be held in Butuan and Davao. 

Butuan will follow the theme of “Lawig Mindanaw: Kalinaw ug Kahigayunan (Peace and Access).” Festivities there will showcase how dance, music, and film can spark dialogue on inclusion and peace. From February 12 to 14, 21 to 22, and 24 to 26, there will be theater performances and exhibits centered on Butuanon history, stories, culture, and people.   

The celebration in Davao, happening from February 20 to 21, will also focus on peace and access. The work of Davao’s choreographers, visual artists, and filmmakers, among others, will take center stage to boost the diverse stories of the people in Mindanao. 

Weekly platform for all art forms

Perhaps one of the most awaited parts of the monthlong celebration, though, is the “Art FriDates” initiative. 

Artists from the seven different art forms will get to showcase their talents and hone their skills further through workshops and performances. 

It’s scheduled to happen every Friday of February at the Blackbox Theater, Likhang Pilipino Complex, CITEM, World Trade Center, Pasay City. Admission to all “ART FriDates” is free. 

The following local governments will also have their own renditions of the initiative to boost artists from their respective communities. The schedules are as follows:

• February 6 – Angono, Rizal 
• February 13 – Bulacan
• February 20 – Biñan, Laguna
• February 27 – Quezon Province
• March 6 – Muntinlupa City

Open house starts every 2 pm, while performances kick off every 4 pm.

National Arts Month is an annual celebration mandated through Presidential Proclamation No. 683 of the Corazon Aquino administration. It has been observed since 1991, with activities spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. 

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has served as the Arts ambassador since 2020. – Rappler.com