The ALT Collective Marks Its Largest Edition Yet at SMX MOA in 2026
The fourth edition expands to a bigger venue, wider exhibitions, and new curatorial programs spotlighting both established and emerging Filipino artists.
By Art+ Magazine Team
Photos courtesy of MM Yu
January 14, 2026
ALT ART marks its most anticipated return with a bigger venue, expanded exhibitions, and dynamic public programs at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay from February 12 to 15, 2026, with public days scheduled from February 13 to 15, open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Organized by the ALT Collective and joined by nine of the country’s premier galleries—Artinformal, Blanc, The Drawing Room, Galleria Duemila, Finale Art File, MO_Space, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl, and West Gallery—the fourth edition of the showcase is set to be the largest yet, featuring twice the floor area of its 2024 iteration, and walls rising up to 5 meters high. This expansion provides more room to exhibit the best works in contemporary art and to develop curated projects that further reframe artistic discourse and critical engagement with art in the Philippines.
Artinformal’s Tina Fernandez says that “each of the 9 galleries that form part of the collective represent different artists who are experts in their field and have different points of view. ALT ART presents these different voices in a cohesive manner. Being in a venue that is more accessible to a broader audience fulfills our goal to enable more people from different walks of life to experience these shows.”
The ALT Collective. Photo by MM Yu.
The staple Special Projects, presented individually by each gallery, will continue to push conceptual possibilities and expand the showcase’s curatorial scope. Featured exhibitions will include works by Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, Buen Calubayan, Julie Lluch/Kiri Dalena/Ben Brixx, Raffy Napay, MM Yu, Kolown/Christina Lopez, Mauro “Malang” Santos, Lesley-Ann Cao, and Iwan Effendi.
Aiming to offer fresh perspectives in art, which marks another exciting milestone for ALT ART, this edition will unveil the inaugural group of artists featured in the Discoveries Section.
“The Discoveries Program is a platform for artists who we think deserve to garner more attention. Some of these artists are not new, but we feel we have a long journey ahead. The program is also a reminder that, with the fast-paced turnover of attention, it is a good way for us to step back and slow things down a bit,” explains Jay Amante of Blanc.
Showcasing exciting and critically engaged practices, the program spotlights artists whose work merits greater visibility and recognition, including JC Mariategue, Jomari T'leon, Joar Songcuya, Allyza Tresvalles, Eric Bico, Gelo Cinco, Joanolasco, Rhaz Oriente, and Marco Ortiga.
“New highlights lead to new interests which lead to new conversations. We aim to bridge the gap between what is established, and what is to be discovered,” adds Mawen Ong of MO_Space.
ALT ART 2026 promises yet another edition full of discoveries, continuing its mission to promote Philippine art and amplify artistic voices for local and international audiences, collectors, and art enthusiasts.
The art showcase is presented by BDO Private Bank, and with special support from Nagaraya. Tickets for public days from February 13 to 15, 2026, are available onsite, priced at PHP 500 for the general public and PHP 250 for students. For more information, visit www.altphilippines.com and follow @altphilippines on Instagram and Facebook.
