Established in 2022, the annual event aims to showcase the country’s evolving art scene while amplifying art inclusivity and appreciation. With a bigger venue this year, MoCAF is set to feature 47 galleries, MoCAF Dialogues and MoCAF XTN.
Now on its third year, MoCAF, the Modern and Contemporary Art Festival, will stage its show on July 5 to 7 at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City.Just like in previous editions, it remains an inclusive and community-centered platform while pushing the boundaries of art.
It was first envisioned in 2022 with a goal of showcasing the country’s evolving art scene, educating new audiences and piquing the interest of established aficionados.
“MoCAF was the first to welcome back local art lovers after a prolonged lockdown with the very first face-to-face presentation of artworks by both masters and new artists alike”, said festival chairperson Ricky Francisco. He further states, “Our pioneering MoCAF Discoveries gave a critical platform for young artists, many of whom like Carla Gamalinda, Gelo Montiero, Wendel Candawan, RAFA, Seth Corda and Ian Inoy, among others, now have flourishing careers.”
In 2023, MoCAF continued with the inclusive format but with the addition of the innovative community-oriented MoCAF XP. The diverse art-related experiences brought MoCAF closer to a wider and younger audience through the help of small local enterprises and establishments. It further pushed the limits of MoCAF Discoveries with a curated exhibition for several of the emerging artists to further nurture their craft. Others from the initial MoCAF Discoveries were already invited by some of the participating galleries to be part of their program.
MoCAF is poised to execute a much bigger and impactful festival. The entirety of the four-story Marquis Events Place is set to house a rich selection of both artisans and galleries. With a grander space, MoCAF is set to feature 47 galleries, MoCAF Dialogues and the introduction of the MoCAF XTN, among others.
The main ballroom will house a total of 24 galleries, with seven being foreign galleries. Adding to that, there will be an extensive lineup of 11 special exhibitions, which includes event-exclusive pieces by seasoned creatives Katrina Cuenca and Michael Cacnio, to name a few, as well as curated shows by the Department of Tourism. The pioneering MoCAF Discoveries will also see 14 of its 2023 roster coming back this year, as well as welcome 28 new artists under its wing.
This year will also introduce MoCAF XTN, a new format to “extend” the event’s reach and offerings, with the understanding that supporting start-ups foster diversity. This is consistent with the mission of extending the venue to young, potentially game-changing galleries, artisanal shops, and artists’ groups.
This move shines a light on neophyte galleries like M Gallery and non-traditional art forms through the artisans section, which will showcase art-inspired merchandise: clothing, books, pottery, and other forms.
The latter will include the prized collection of Imao Studios, the local and international prints of Spruce Gallery, and textile paintings courtesy of clothing brand RIOtaso. In total, MoCAF XTN will accommodate an additional 13 galleries and collectives to the event. To further enhance visitors’ experience, a variety of food concessionaires will now be available at the new venue.
All these, along with the new Live Art and Activations sections are expected to make the festival more exciting. Additionally, five panel discussions through MoCAF Dialogues will touch on topics such as plagiarism, art conservation and other relevant art issues.
Already ongoing, art-related experiences through MoCAF XP are already scheduled. The first was a painting workshop with VeryGood Gallery in collaboration with Art Caravan. More are scheduled on the weekends leading to MoCAF proper.
“It’s always been a goal of MoCAF to reach out to the community,” festival director Coleen Wong shares. Despite upping the ante each year, she notes, “I think what MoCAF is also known for is how relaxed it is for the festival goers. It doesn’t pressure you to roam around. We want festival goers to simply enjoy and breathe in the art experience.”
Attendees can secure their festival tickets at www.mocaf.net. Tickets are priced at P 300. Students, PWDs and senior citizens could also avail themselves of these at a discounted price.
MoCAF will take place July 5 – 7, 2024 at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For more information on MoCAF and the upcoming activities of MoCAF XP, visit www.mocaf.net. Follow @mocafmanila on Instagram and like Mocaf.net on Facebook for updates.
