Baguio Exhibition Showcases Over 1,000 Artworks, Largest Edition Yet

BAGUIO CITY — More than 120 artists and artisans from Baguio and other parts of the Cordillera are showcasing over 1,000 artworks at the third “Arts for Everyone” exhibition, which opened Sunday, June 28, at the atrium of SM City Baguio, marking the event’s biggest edition yet. The exhibit, organized by the Pasakalye Group of Artists in partnership with SM City Baguio, will run until July 10, and features paintings, sculptures, photographs, and various handcrafted works displayed across several galleries inside the mall. Maricar Docyogen of the Pasakalye Group of Artists said this year’s exhibition drew its largest participation since the annual event began in 2024. “We have over 120 artists and artisans participating this year with more than 1,000 artworks,” Docyogen said. SM City Baguio Mall Manager Jerico Jordan Bernardo said the annual exhibit goes beyond showcasing artworks as it celebrates Baguio’s identity as a creative city. “Today is not simply the opening of an art exhibit. It is a celebration of our identity, our heritage, and the boundless creativity that has made Baguio City and the Cordilleras a beacon of artistic excellence,” Bernardo said during the opening program. He said SM City Baguio remains committed to providing spaces where local artists can showcase their work and reach wider audiences. “When we support our artists, we do more than invest in creativity. We preserve our heritage, strengthen our communities, and ensure that the unique identity of Baguio and the Cordilleras continues to flourish,” he said. Councilor Vladimir Cayabas said the exhibit reflects how collaboration between the city government, artists, and private partners has sustained Baguio’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City. “The city government could not do this alone,” Cayabas said, adding that this year’s exhibit has also attracted guest artists from outside Baguio, further expanding its reach. Lone District Representative Mauricio Domogan, meanwhile, lauded the participating artists and artisans for sharing their talents with the public. “The Lord has given different skills and talents to each one of us. You are using those talents not only for yourselves but also for other people,” he said. Dianne Mondok of the Baguio Arts Guild said the exhibition is the largest the local arts community has mounted since it started holding exhibitions in 1989. “We’ve never had this kind of scope. We’ve never had this kind of reach,” Mondok said, noting that SM City Baguio fully sponsored the event, allowing artists to exhibit their works free of charge. Arts for Everyone was first launched in 2024 as a collaboration among local artists, cultural organizations, and SM City Baguio to bring art closer to the public. In 2025, the exhibition gathered more than 100 artists and featured over 570 artworks while supporting community-based causes, reflecting Baguio’s continuing efforts to strengthen its creative economy and cultural heritage.