LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Local artists, particularly those from Lapu-Lapu City, now have a free venue to showcase their talents and artworks through the city’s newly reopened Art Gallery and Cultural Hub.
The gallery aims to provide artists with a space to display their creative works and connect with fellow creatives through quarterly exhibits, weekly art markets, and workshop events.
It formally reopened on June 1, 2026, as part of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) expanded cultural tourism program in partnership with the Lapu-Lapu City government.
Anticipated reopening
The Lapu-Lapu City Art Gallery and Cultural Hub in Barangay Gun-ob initially held its soft opening on February 27, 2025, after remaining closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The gallery later closed again in December 2025 for renovations. The local government then received assistance from the DOT Central Visayas office to improve the facility.
Tourism officials said the renovation process took several months to complete because major portions of the gallery, including the flooring, had to be redone.
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With the recent reopening, local officials hope to further promote Lapu-Lapu City as a cultural destination that highlights local heritage and creative communities.
“Through initiatives such as this, we aim to expand tourism experiences beyond traditional attractions and showcase the stories, talents, and cultural assets that make our destinations unique,” said DOT-7 Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas during the launching event on Monday.
A space for creatives
Gallery director Michael Luis Natavio said the facility was first established out of the need for a dedicated space where the local art community could gather and exhibit their works.
“Most of the artists here in Lapu-Lapu are exhibiting in Cebu. Wala silang avenue dito sa isla, kaya napag-isipan namin: why not open this gallery para may space naman ‘yong mga nasa Lapu-Lapu?” Natavio said.
(They don’t have a venue on the island. That’s why we thought, why not open this gallery so artists in Lapu-Lapu can finally have their own space?)
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Natavio said artists who wish to showcase and sell their works at the gallery might do so for free since management does not take a commission from sales.
“Let’s face it: passion doesn’t pay the bills. This is one way we can help the artists, by not getting a cut from their sales,” Natavio shared.
He said the gallery planned to hold four to six exhibits every year, with new collections featured every quarter.
Interested artists may send a direct message or email if they want to participate in future exhibits.
Aside from exhibits, the gallery also serves as a venue for workshops, art and music performances, and weekly gatherings called “Lingkod-lingkod Local,” where artists can sell products and interact with fellow creatives.
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Local art spotlighted
The gallery currently features locally made art products that showcase Lapu-Lapu City’s identity, including arnis-inspired pieces, pearl and shell accessories, and handcrafted guitars.
It also hosts a thesis exhibit titled “Yarning” by artist MJ Espina, a Lapu-Lapu resident and student from the University of the Philippines Cebu.
The exhibit showcases tufted textile art, a technique commonly described as a combination of sewing and embroidery that creates plush and raised patterns.
Espina said the art gallery and cultural hub gives artists an opportunity to introduce and expose their works to the public.
“Daghan jud kaayog artists, dili lang ako, na wala kaayo ka explore tungod kay limited kaayo ang venue and activities na makaexpose nila,” she said.
(There are really a lot of artists, not just me, who haven’t been able to explore much because the venues and activities that could give them exposure are very limited.)
More exhibits are expected throughout the year as the gallery hopes to feature and spotlight more local artists.
