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At least 120 visual artists from Central Luzon, along with participants from Australia, India, and France, gathered for a rare and vibrant showcase of art at the recent opening of the 13th Pulilan Mandala International Art Festival at SM Center Pulilan.
Spearheaded by the JEFARCA Arts and Historical Society Inc., with the support of the local government of Pulilan, the provincial government of Bulacan, the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and in partnership with SM Center Pulilan, the event unfolds a dynamic celebration composed of exhibitions, lectures, public art, performances, film screenings, cultural rituals, and community-based artistic collaborations.
With the theme “Art, Earth, Action,” the festival expands its agrarian metaphor into a wider cultural and international dialogue on creativity, sustainability, heritage, and collective responsibility. To ignite the celebration in SM Center Pulilan, an art exhibit featuring at least 116 exceptional works was mounted.
Founded in 2012 in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts through its National Committee on Visual Arts, the festival has grown beyond Central Luzon and the Philippines, now welcoming international artists for the first time.
The festival proudly welcomes international artists including Jeff Gauci from Australia, Ashna Katoch from India, and Henri Lamy from France, whose participation strengthens the festival’s commitment to international artistic dialogue and cross-cultural exchange.
The program was highlighted by a performance art piece by multi-disciplinary artist Sam Penaso. Keynote messages were delivered by distinguished guests such as multimedia visual artist and UP Diliman College of Fine Arts Dean Prof. Toym Imao, who also served as one of the lecture facilitators.
Also in attendance were Department of Tourism Region III Director Dr. Richard G. Daenos, Bulacan Vice Governor Hon. Alex Castro, Pulilan Municipal Mayor Hon. RJ Peralta, Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Atty. Imee Cruz, UP Cebu Fine Arts Studio Arts Program Prof. Dennis “Sio” Montera and SM Regional Operations Head- AVP for Mall Operations Ana Datu.
The 13th Pulilan Mandala International Art Festival exhibit will run until May 31 at SM Center Pulilan.
