Through the promotion and proliferation of art, proceeds from the ICA Art Fair benefited the school’s alumni association

In a move to give back to the community and champion the arts, Immaculate Conception Academy’s homecoming alumna batch Vanicx 2000 hosted its inaugural fair for 2024, the first-ever ICA Art Fair, “Giving Back for Better Futures.”

This premier event took place from Nov. 21 to 23, 2024, in Q High Street, Bonifacio Global City. To start, the Vernissage and VIP Opening Night were held on Nov. 21 on a by-invitation basis. Admission was free to the public on Nov. 22 and 23.

“As a batch, we recognized the profound impact that the arts can have on individuals, especially students who are often underrepresented in academic and creative spaces,” ICA batch Vanicx 2000 expressed. “We chose to focus on the arts as our centerpiece because it serves as a powerful tool for both personal growth and social change.”

They added, “Art has always been a medium through which stories are told, conversations are started, and connections are made. By supporting this initiative, we not only highlight the value of creativity but also provide tangible support to students who are the future of our communities.”

Participating galleries included Art Cube Gallery, Art Verite, Art Informal, Art Underground, Blanc Gallery, Finale Art Gallery, ISTORYA Studios, Metro Gallery, Mo Space, Museo Orlina, Silverlens Gallery, The Annext, The Grey Space, Village Art Gallery, West Gallery, White Walls Gallery, and Ysobel Art Gallery.

Highlights of the ICA Art Fair

The 2024 ICA Art Fair brought together a distinguished lineup of influential contemporary artists, prominent curators, and thought leaders from the art world like Lao Lianben, Winna Go, Luis Antonio Santos, Marina Cruz, Maria Angelica Tan, and Anthony Nazareno in this one-of-a-kind charity event.

There, attendees and art enthusiasts witnessed a curated selection of diverse works by leading contemporary artists.

“The selection process for the featured artists was rooted in a desire to showcase a diverse range of voices and artistic expressions, each offering a unique perspective on contemporary art,” the batch explained.

“We carefully considered artists who demonstrate not only technical skill but also a deep engagement with meaningful themes, exploring both personal and cultural narratives. [These] talented artists were chosen for their ability to push boundaries and create thought-provoking work that resonates with a wide audience.”

“Each of these artists, in their unique ways, reflects the values of resilience, introspection, and the power of storytelling—qualities that resonate with the spirit of this art fair and its mission to uplift both the arts and education,” the organizers said.

The batch also revealed that the exhibit was curated in partnership with curator Glenn Cuervo, whose “expertise and vision helped bring together these exceptional artists in a cohesive and impactful way… [with a] thoughtful approach ensured that each artist’s work was presented in a way that highlighted its significance while allowing for a dynamic interplay between the pieces.”

Proceeds from the Art Fair will support the ICA Scholarship Foundation, as the initiative aims to “provide learning opportunities, materials, and tuition for deserving ICA scholars.”

What’s more, a portion of the funds will be used to cover the medical needs of retired ICA teachers and administrators and to spearhead the construction of the Dream Center—an interactive space within ICA to promote innovative learning processes in the community.

“This initiative is about building a sustainable cycle of creativity and opportunity, where the arts can flourish, and students can thrive,” the organizers explained. 

A Celebration of art and philanthropy

A celebration of exceptional art, a coming together of artists and art enthusiasts, and an opportunity to give back. As the first of its own kind, the ICA Art Fair is all these and more. 

Through this three-day event, guests helped fund initiatives that support education, health, and innovation.

Above all, it embodied ICA and its homecoming batch’s commitment to building a better future through creativity and collective action in a celebration of art, culture, and philanthropy.

“This event reflects our batch’s core values of community, support, and meaningful impact,” they elaborated. “By organizing this event, we hope to show that giving back to the community doesn’t just mean financial support—it also means nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and empowering others to pursue their passions.”

“This art fair is our way of contributing to a cycle of giving, where the success of one leads to the opportunity for others. It is a reflection of our batch’s commitment to creating lasting change through collaboration and collective effort.”

The ICA Art Fair ran from Nov. 22 to 23, 2024 at W High Street BGC, 28th st. cor. 11th ave. For inquiries, contact Patrick Co at +639175201827. 

Produced by Angela Go-Agustin