February 25-27,2026 – In celebration of National Arts Month 2026, the Filipino Visual Artists in Austria (FVAA) gathered artists, cultural advocates, and members of the Filipino community at the Philippine Embassy in Vienna for a beautiful exhibition and cultural presentation inspired by the theme “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting” (Harvest of Arts: Truth and Valor/Courage).
The gathering transformed the embassy into a lively space of creativity where visual storytelling, cultural pride, and community connection came together. Artworks filled the exhibition area, each piece reflecting the personal journeys, cultural memories, and artistic voices of Filipino creators living and working in Austria. Guests were welcomed into an atmosphere that celebrated both artistic excellence and the shared heritage that binds Filipinos around the world.
During the program, Evangelina Lourdes Arroyo-Bernas, Ambassador of the Philippines to Austria, delivered a message of appreciation and encouragement to the participating artists. In her remarks, she thanked the members of FVAA for sharing their talent and dedication, noting that their works not only celebrate Filipino creativity but also serve as cultural ambassadors for the Philippines abroad. She emphasized that through their art, Filipino artists in Austria help strengthen cultural ties and promote a deeper understanding of Philippine heritage among international audiences.
The event also served as a meaningful cultural gathering for the Filipino community in Austria. Visitors had the opportunity to meet the artists, learn about the inspiration behind their works, and engage in conversations about the role of art in preserving heritage and telling stories across generations. For many attendees, the exhibition became not only a showcase of talent but also a reminder of the importance of maintaining cultural roots while living abroad.
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Origins of National Arts Month in the Philippines
National Arts Month is celebrated every February in the Philippines following Presidential Proclamation No. 683, signed in 1991 by Corazon Aquino, which declared February as a time to recognize the artistic achievements of Filipino creators across disciplines—from visual arts and literature to music, film, architecture, and performing arts.
The celebration is spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the government body responsible for preserving and promoting Filipino cultural heritage. Each year, the NCCA introduces a theme reflecting the spirit of Philippine arts and society.
The 2026 theme, “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting,” emphasizes how artistic expression becomes a harvest of truth, courage, and cultural memory. It celebrates artists who use their craft to illuminate reality, inspire resilience, and honor the bravery embedded in Filipino history and everyday life.
Filipino Visual Artists in Austria (FVAA)
The Filipino Visual Artists in Austria (FVAA) is a collective of Filipino painters, sculptors, illustrators, photographers, and multimedia artists based in Austria. The group was a brainchild of Marizel Rojas, and she has been its prime supporter and moderator during events, FVAA has been founded to:
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Provide a platform for Filipino artists living in Austria
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Promote Philippine visual arts in Europe
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Encourage collaboration and mentorship among artists
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Strengthen cultural ties between the Filipino diaspora and Austria
Through exhibitions, workshops, and community events, FVAA highlights the diversity of Filipino artistic voices abroad while maintaining strong connections with Philippine culture and heritage.
Philippine Arts Month Exhibit 2026
Held at the Philippine Embassy Vienna, the exhibition featured a variety of artworks ranging from landscapes and portraits to contemporary and folk-inspired pieces. The venue transformed into a mini gallery showcasing the individual styles and narratives of participating artists.
Among the displayed works were:
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Philippine landscapes and scenery
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Cultural portraits reflecting Filipino identity
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Folk-inspired paintings featuring traditional motifs and rural life
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Mixed media works exploring modern artistic interpretations
Some paintings depicted pastoral scenery and quiet countryside paths, while others captured cultural symbolism and expressive portraits. The variety reflected the theme of truth and courage, portraying both personal journeys and collective heritage.
The exhibition also highlighted members of FVAA and their contributions to the growing Filipino arts community in Austria.
A handful of landscape paintings including a scenic mountain path and nature-themed works, reflecting tranquility and the beauty of rural environments.
Colorful figurative paintings inspired by Filipino rural life and women in traditional attire are also a recurring motif. Other members showcased portrait works, mixed media pieces, and intricate drawings.
Several artists also wore traditional Filipino attire during the event, reinforcing the cultural dimension of the exhibition. The gathering was both an art show and a celebration of Filipino identity in the diaspora.
FVAA’s Other Exhibitions and Activities
Over the years, FVAA has organized and participated in several exhibitions and cultural initiatives in Austria and neighboring European countries. Their activities often include:
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Cultural exhibitions during Philippine national celebrations, like last year’s art month – see here / Water, Wasser, Tubig in celebration of Philippine MANA Mo
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Participation in embassy and community and cultural events
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Collaborative art shows featuring Filipino and international artists – UN exhibit Humanity : Art for Peace
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Workshops and artistic exchanges promoting Filipino creativity : En Plein Air Painting
These initiatives help introduce Filipino art to European audiences while providing Filipino artists abroad with opportunities to present their work.
Art as Cultural Bridge
Events like the FVAA National Arts Month exhibition demonstrate how art functions as a cultural bridge. For Filipinos living abroad, it becomes a way to preserve heritage while embracing new environments and influences.
The exhibition welcomed members of the yMAK – Young Members of the MAK, a network of young artists and creatives connected with the Museum of Applied Arts Vienna. Their visit highlighted a growing dialogue between Filipino artists and the broader contemporary art community in Vienna. By engaging with the artworks and meeting the participating artists, the young creatives were able to explore new perspectives and artistic influences, reinforcing the exhibition’s role as a space for cultural exchange and collaboration.
Through “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting,” the Filipino Visual Artists in Austria reaffirmed that art is more than aesthetic expression—it is a testimony of identity, courage, and truth.
As Filipino artists continue to thrive across the globe, initiatives like FVAA ensure that the spirit of Philippine creativity remains visible, celebrated, and shared with the world.
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The Filipino Visual Artists in Austria also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Philippine Embassy for its support in making the exhibition possible. Special thanks were extended to Cultural Attaché Chryzl Sicat and to Noemi Caceres, Ambassador Arroyo-Bernas and the embassy staff whose dedication and assistance helped ensure the successful organization of the event and the warm welcome extended to artists and guests alike. Special thanks also goes to Wojnar’s who provided everyone with authentic Austrian sandwiches we’ve loved through the years.
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