DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 12 April) — Patrons of the Arts, a Manila-based art market, is in this city for the weekend (April 11 and 12) to provide a platform for regional independent artists, student creatives, and small businesses to showcase and sell their work. Known for spotlighting young, independent creatives, the art market transformed the SMX Convention Center Davao in SM Lanang into a dense, colorful landscape of prints, stickers, handmade accessories, and original artworks, drawing steady crowds throughout the day. Originally established in Manila, Patrons of the Arts has built a large following as a space where artists can directly connect with audiences. Its expansion to Davao signals a growing demand for creative platforms outside the capital.
For student artists, the event offered both exposure and a first step into the creative industry. Maria Ireen Babiera of PAMINTA, a group from the University of Mindanao’s Fine Arts program, said the market provides an opportunity to present their work to a wider audience. “Opportunity po siya for students to gain income as well as exposure and industry connections,” she said.
Beyond selling, artists pointed to the importance of physical spaces where creators and audiences can interact directly — something often missing in online platforms. “I think it gives a more traditional way of reaching others,” one participating artist said. “There’s a personal touch to it unlike sa online spaces, kasi andiyan ‘yong artist, andiyan ‘yong work ng artist, it’s tangible. There’s this connection with the customer.”
Another participating artist, Julia Arreola of Sloth Corner, emphasized how such spaces help sustain both creativity and community. “Spaces like this for artists [don’t] only promote themselves for their services and creations but it is also a way to connect with the community through their creativity, passion, and resilience in their own crafts — be it traditional or digital arts,” she said.
For artists who have participated in markets across the country, the Davao leg offered a distinct experience. Watercolor artist Arianna Cranz noted that while Manila art markets are often saturated, regional events bring a different kind of diversity. “It’s oversaturated in Manila,” she said. “I find this Davao event hosted by Patron of the Arts very unique. Andaming laman ang market na fresh sa mata, fresh ideas. Parang perfect mix siya ng culture ng Mindanao tsaka ‘yong pop culture.”
Attendees echoed this, describing the event as lively and welcoming, with approachable artists and a strong sense of community. “It’s very lively and loud,” one goer laughed, “but also very welcoming: the sellers are welcoming, and the people who come and go are very passionate about the communities they’re part of.”
For first-time participants, the scale of the event was both nerve-wracking and encouraging. “I didn’t expect that many people,” one artist said. “You get swept up on the moment of ‘oh, there’s that thing that I like and this thing that I like!’ It’s like a nice competition while acknowledging the skill level of other artists.”
As Manila-based art markets continue to expand into regional cities, events like Patrons of the Arts: Regionals highlight the growing presence of creative communities outside the capital. In Davao, the turnout shows how local artists are building their own spaces, with audiences eager to support them.
As part of its “Regionals” series, Patrons of the Arts will continue its Mindanao leg with a stop in Cagayan de Oro from April 18 to 19. The platform is also set to return to Davao for a Halloween-themed art market on October 3 to 4, 2026, further cementing the city’s place in its growing network of regional creative communities. (Bea Gatmaytan / MindaNews)
