No Gatekeeping, Just Making Art: Inside ARTa Philippines
ARTa Philippines creates an inclusive space where beginners and experienced creatives can learn, experiment, and discover their artistic voice through hands-on classes, mentorship, and a community that celebrates the joy of making art.
Words Nanzi Sofia Sernadilla
Photos courtesy of ARTa Philippines
October 1, 2026
Artist Wilfredo Offe Offemaria Jr.
For many aspiring artists, the first step can be the hardest. Not because of the lack of imagination, but because of the uncertainty of where to begin.
ARTa Philippines seeks to make the first step easier by creating an inclusive space where artists, hobbyists, and first-time learners can develop their skills while discovering their own creative voice.
Located at Unit 203, Kirov Tower, Proscenium at Rockwell in Makati, ARTa is an art center dedicated to making visual and literary arts accessible to both children and adults.
Artist Atelier Philippines (ARTa) at Unit 203, 2F Kirov Tower, Proscenium at Rockwell
Its courses and workshops cover disciplines including drawing, painting, creative writing, and art appreciation, with programs designed to encourage creativity through hands-on practice and mentorship.
For ARTa teacher Roberto Martin Sing, the experience goes beyond simply learning how to paint. A Business and Social Studies graduate, Sing began pursuing art more seriously after winning a local art competition a decade ago. Since then, he trained under various artists and mentors who shaped his approach to painting and teaching.
Artist Atelier Philippines (ARTa) at Unit 203, 2F Kirov Tower, Proscenium at Rockwell
At ARTa, Sing teaches acrylic painting, including painting from photographs and working directly from light through still-life setups. Rather than prescribing a single artistic style, he guides students through theory and technique while allowing them to explore their own approaches.
“We want to provide a safe space in the sense that there’s no gatekeeping,” Sing said.
That philosophy reflects ARTa’s broader approach to creative education.
Artist Atelier Philippines (ARTa) at Unit 203, 2F Kirov Tower, Proscenium at Rockwell
The center described itself as a space where creativity flourishes through intention, discipline, mentorship, and freedom to explore. Its programs are designed for learners at different skill levels, from beginners to more experienced creatives.
Sing emphasized that mistakes are part of the learning process. In painting, unexpected strokes or color mixtures can sometimes become important elements of the finished work.
More than a classroom, ARTa aims to be a welcoming creative community. One where learners can focus, experiment, and grow with the guidance. The atelier offers an accessible yet peaceful environment amid the city, giving students a place to slow down and reconnect with their creativity.
At ARTa, art is not simply about mastering a skill. It is about finding the freedom to begin, the confidence to experiment, and the opportunity to discover something new about oneself along the way.
