1st Cebu Art Book Fair

In 2019, the Philippine city of Cebu was declared a UNESCO Creative City of Design, part of a global network of cities sharing culture and creativity for the betterment of the world. Cebu certainly lived up to its award: in 2022 several prominent Cebuano designers organised the Cebu Art Book Fair.

Cebu Art Book Fair

Headed by art and design company Happy Garaje, graphic designer Marc Abuan, publicity firm PRWorks and the commercial art centre The Crossroads, the Cebu Art Book Fair is the first time the Philippines joins a great tradition begun by Printed Matter's New York and LA Art Book Fairs in 2004. 

NY Art Book Fair - website image

Other Asian Cities of Design such as Bangkok, Shanghai and Singapore have been holding their own art book fairs for a while, but now Cebu joins their ranks thanks to the efforts of the amazing community of Cebuano designers, illustrators, print artists and other creatives.

Singapore Art Book Fair - Time Out magazine

The debuting Cebu Art Book Fair, or CABF, was themed "Estoryang Binutbut", which in the Cebuano dialect is slang for a story which might be true or a lie, serious or a joke...whichever it is, just meant to be heard and enjoyed.

talk with Happy Garaje & designer Clara Cayosa

The CABF hosted several talks by leading creatives, including Happy Garaje and Palanca Award-winning author Larry Ypil. Music performances by local artists like Sepia Times and Mandaue Nights. 

workshop graphic from CABF site

Workshops led by various artists. A trading card show with artist Siamese Rat. These are just a few offerings. Check out their site to get the full menu. 

CABF site graphics

And a huge run of many participating artists eager to show and sell their illustrations, zines, merchandise and other art.

Artist collective SIKADA at their booth - Cebu Daily News

Even the students of the Fine Arts program at the University of the Philippines Cebu proudly displayed work at their own booth.

Photo via UP-Cebu's Twitter

Congratulations to the artists and art lovers of Cebu for this amazing event! We are very much looking forward to next year.