Manila Biennale: Open City 2018

With the theme “OPENCITY”, the Manila Biennale aims to bring back the soul of Intramuros with a month-long art exposition.

The Manila Biennale will be the first of its kind in the Philippines. Inspired by the Venice Biennale, the event will feature a plethora of art disciplines in Intramuros’ many gardens, plazas, museums, halls, and chambers from 3 February – 5 March 2018.

Lectures and performances will also be held in these spaces, apart from the many exhibitions by local and international artists. Both its location and theme "Open City" will serve as an homage to the history and destruction of Intramuros during the second World War.

The event is both an art festival and memorial to honour the losses from the Battle of Manila, by bringing life back to the walled city through art and culture.

Apart from day and student passes, the event offers a passport that is currently for sale online. Passport holders will be considered as Manila Biennale citizens, and will allow them access to all exhibitions and VIP lounges, priority reservations for all lectures and programmes, and an invitation the Intramuros Artist Ball on 21 February 2018. A smartphone app to serve as a handy guide will also be available for downloading by January 2018.

The event is a collaborative effort among Carlos Celdran’s Walk This Way Tours, VivaManila, Intramuros Administration, Anthology Architecture and Design Festival, Fringe Festival, Pasinaya Festival, Pink Shorts, Short + Sweet, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

For inquiries, email the organizers at opencity@gmail.com, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @manilabiennale.

Tatler Asia

Manila Biennale: Open City 2018