MANILA BIENNALE joins in the celebration of National Arts Month as it hopes to celebrate art and promote the heritage and history of Manila and Intramuros.

The first ever Manila Biennale, inspired by the Venice Biennale, will run from Feb. 3 to March 5, with art exhibits throughout the event, live performances on Feb. 21 to 25, an Artists’ Ball on Feb. 25, and the Manila Transitio Memorial Concert also on Feb. 25.

More than 30 local and international artists will participate in the festival under theme “OpenCity.” They include Agnes Arellano, Renz Baluyot, Mideo Cruz, Garry Ross Pastrana, Angel Show from the US, Henri van Noordenburg from the Netherlands, and Nicolas Combarro from Spain, among others.

Intramuros’ gardens, chambers, museums, and plazas will host exhibits, fashion shows, spoken word poetry sessions, performance arts, and design and architecture events.

“It is about bringing back the soul of the city of Intramuros,” said Carlos Celdran, tour guide, cultural activist, performance artist, and one of the event’s organizers. “Nothing is for sale, but your experience,” he added.

An “Art Passport” gives visitors access to all the events available via e-mail (opencity@manilabiennale.ph). There are also day passes and student passes.

For more information, visit www.manilabiennale.ph. — NFP de Guzman

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