Comuna: An Artistic Nest for Creatives

Comuna fosters a collaborative environment where creatives and their livelihoods can thrive

Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos Martina Reyes
March 26, 2025

Art+ has been dedicated to finding spaces where creativity can flourish. In today’s fast-paced world, we’ve recognized the need for a safe space—an environment where artists, creatives, and art enthusiasts can feel inspired and supported.

With this mission in mind, we discovered the charm of Comuna, a hidden gem amidst the bustling modernity of Makati City. We had the pleasure of speaking with Comuna’s Community Head, Helene Enriquez, and we're excited to share what Comuna truly represents.

Sustainability and collaboration

Helene Enriquez has been at the helm of community and identity development at Comuna for over a year. During this time, she has been instrumental in shaping Comuna’s philosophy and mission—creating a vibrant creative community where Filipino artist-entrepreneurs can thrive, while emphasizing the importance of sustainability and collaboration in the creative process.

“Our goal is to build an ecosystem that empowers Filipino creatives to succeed artistically and live well,” Helene explained.

Comuna brings together a diverse group of individuals across various disciplines and industries, including architects, interior designers, photographers, visual artists, chefs, bakers, recipe developers, writers, content strategists, multimedia artists, and designers. These talented individuals, known as ‘Comunaty’ members, form the heart of Comuna’s dynamic community.

Creative livelihood

When asked about the concept of creative livelihood, Helene emphasized that two key elements are essential for fostering a thriving community: “We believe creative livelihood thrives in an environment of collaboration and mutual support.”

Before Comuna as we know it today, there was Comuna Streetside in 2022—a collection of establishments designed to serve the neighborhood. A year later, a garden was created, which eventually became the heart of what we now recognize as Comuna.

“Comuna’s owners, the Katigbaks, told them “magsayang ka ng lupa.” Go waste space. That ‘wasteful’ patch of green would become emblematic of Comuna’s dedication to nurturing creative livelihoods in the face of hypercapitalism. Over time, Comuna would attract similarly dispositioned artists and creatives, some of whom were having their first go at putting up their own business,” she shared.

In line with this mission, Comuna has developed various programs and support systems to empower its members, such as business mentorship, inter-business collaborations, and logistical support. They also hold regular Town Hall discussions to tackle challenges and exchange solutions.

“If someone has a challenge they’re dealing with, it’s often that other members will generously offer their expertise on the matter. (Also, Town Halls are potlucks and there’s always too much food),” Helene added.

Collaboration as a culture

In addition to fostering creative livelihoods, Comuna aspires to be a place where collaboration and mutual understanding are deeply embedded in its culture. Helene herself acknowledged that they are still figuring things out, but their unwavering dedication to their goals keeps them focused on making it all possible.

“Many other creative communities in the Philippines are working toward similar ideals, and that gives us hope that we can collectively create slow but lasting change,” she shared.

As the demand for safe spaces to showcase crafts and businesses grows, Comuna stands as a prime example of the kind of environment where creatives can thrive on their own terms.

“By working together, we believe we can achieve more and create more impactful and sustainable work,” Helene emphasized.

In today’s world, we need more spaces that promote ecosystems rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability—places that focus on supporting each other to succeed both artistically and financially.

While Comuna’s journey is still a work in progress, it is clear that spaces like these are pivotal in nurturing sustainable creative livelihoods and driving long-term change within the Philippines’ creative communities.