More than 400 visual artists from across Mindanao are showcasing the diversity and vitality of contemporary art as Mindanao Art 2026 opened at SM Lanang in Davao City.

The exhibition, which started Sunday and will run until Oct. 1, highlights the creativity, culture and stories that shape the region through works by local artists.

In an interview, Kublai Millan, president of Lawig-Diwa Inc. and a renowned Mindanaoan sculptor and painter, said the annual event has become a venue for artists to sell their masterpieces and connect with the community.

“Every year we’re getting bigger. Based on the sales, we have a good relationship with the community. Consistently, they appreciate art. We are happy to share that every year we have bigger sales,” Millan told the Philippine News Agency.

He added that the fair has inspired artists to dream bigger.

“Our artists are growing. But we really dream big for our artists to sell and earn big,” he said, reminding them not to forget the richness of Mindanao culture if given a break.

This year’s staging also marked a milestone with the participation of an organization from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the first time all regions of Mindanao are represented.

“Slowly, we’ve been able to bring them in. We want everybody to be part of this event,” Millan said.

He added that the expanded participation underscores the fair’s role in uniting Mindanao’s diverse communities through art while strengthening recognition of local talent on a broader stage.

On sustaining creativity, he advised young artists to draw inspiration not only from the internet or social media but also from real people and culture.

“Artists are ambassadors of culture. By turning culture into works of art, we share it in new and interesting ways. The challenge is that many artists themselves need support, which is why we are working hard to give them a platform like this,” Millan said. (PNA)