For its fifth edition, the Modern and Contemporary Art Festival is set to showcase its most ambitious celebration of creativity, community, and contemporary art this week.&nbsp;

Art is always evolving — shaped by the changes in people, ideologies, and cultures. With each shift comes new ways of creating, discovering, and understanding artistic expression, continuing to blur the line between mediums and practices. Yet perhaps one of art’s most meaningful transformations in the modern world lies in spaces becoming more inclusive, dynamic, and diverse.&nbsp;Championing this evolution is the Modern and Contemporary Art Festival (MoCAF) — an annual gathering that has become a defining platform for the country’s flourishing art scene. Returning for its fifth edition this year, the festival continues to expand its vision with its most expansive presentation yet, taking over Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City from July 3 to 5.

Bringing together over 50 local and international galleries, along with an extensive lineup of artists, creatives, and cultural collaborators, the festival has grown from a 19-gallery showcase into a three-day program featuring exhibitions, workshops, artisan displays, and culinary experiences that reflect the ever-evolving and intersecting landscape of today’s art.&nbsp;“Audiences can expect MoCAF 2026 to be bigger, more exciting, and even more engaging this&nbsp;year,” shares Festival Director Coleen Wong, who has led MoCAF since its inception. “We’re bringing in a stronger lineup of galleries, artists, and creatives, including both returning names and new participants joining us for the first time.”

In this spirit of growth, this year’s edition continues its trajectory by expanding MoCAF XTN (Extended). This initiative opens additional exhibition spaces and creates opportunities for artists and galleries to present their work.&nbsp;With this, visitors can expect a strong roster of exhibitors, from established local galleries such as Ysobel Art Gallery, Fundacion Sansó, Art Underground, and White Walls Gallery to participating international galleries including SHIKISAISHA GALLERY and Gallery Kogure from Japan, White Space Art Asia from Singapore, and Kate Contemporary Madrid from Spain.

Among the highly anticipated exhibitions in the festival as well are special presentations of Jerika See and Sheila Go, a collaborative showcase between Toym Imao and Tarantadong Kalbo, works by acclaimed artist Jappy Agoncillo, and Chinabank’s return as a major bank partner through a landmark initiative featuring 100 artworks by100 artists.&nbsp;

Beyond the gallery presentations, MoCAF 2026 reinforces its commitment to nurturing emerging talents and new creative practices through its program MoCAF Discoveries. After introducing over 200 young artists since its launch, the program comes back this year with selected alumni from previous cohorts, including the pioneering participants from 2022, to exhibit the evolution of their practices, underscoring the platform’s impact on their artistic journeys.&nbsp;

Marking another milestone, the festival also welcomes digital artists and illustrators into its lineup for the first time. Through a collaboration with Art Caravan, screen-based works will be professionally printed and framed, translating digital creativity beyond traditional media and highlighting the growing role of digital media within contemporary art. Enriching the festival experience further, interactive workshops will also make it come back, which extends opportunities for audiences to connect and interact with artists and creative practices firsthand.&nbsp;

Complementing the exhibits and programs is MoCAFLimited, where visitors can discover artist-made merchandise, whether as festival souvenirs, thoughtful gifts, or personal collectibles — including a limited-edition caption developed in collaboration with Team Manila. In connection, MoCAF also continues to provide a platform for handcrafters, makers, and independent creative brands. This year’s lineup includes returning participants MILKWEAR and Baybayin Bags, alongside newcomers including Armore Collective, Anmari &amp; Co., and Binibini Marikit.&nbsp;

Rounding out the journey, XTN Bites adds another layer to the festival, offering an expanded roster of food and beverage brands that encourages visitors to stay, explore, and connect throughout the day. Rejoining this year are familiar names, such as ODD Café, Butterboy, and Hijo De Mexican Cantina, alongside fresh additions, including The Good Poison, Fiasfud, Bored &amp; Hungry, The Spirits Library, and SIPP.

As MoCAF continues to thrive, Wong says its mission remains grounded in making art accessible and approachable.&nbsp;“MoCAF has always been envisioned as a space that feels welcoming and safe, not just for artists and creatives, but also for the public,” she explains. “Whether you’re a collector, an artist, or someone simply curious about art, there will be something to see, experience, and take part in,” Wong shares.

Driven by this philosophy, the festival remains committed to breaking down barriers to contemporary art, creating a welcoming space where artists can connect, collaborate, and showcase their work, while inviting the public to engage with art in new and meaningful ways. But beyond this, MoCAF also brings these goals to life through initiatives that foster the growth of the broader creative community. Alongside providing hands-on exposure to students and young arts professionals who join the festival, MoCAF Gives Back continues to support organizations that champion arts education and community development, including ScholarSip by Fundación Sansó and the Mbrace Project.&nbsp;

For Wong, celebrating the festival’s fifth edition is more than a milestone, but also a reflection of the community that has grown alongside it.&nbsp;“It feels surreal to be bringing MoCAF back for its fifth year. Seeing how much it has grown, not just in size, but also in reach, identity, and community, makes me feel very grateful. MoCAF is not just growing as a festival; it is growing with the art community itself,” she said.&nbsp;Tickets are priced at PHP 380, with discount rates available for students, PWDs, and senior citizens. Tickets are also now available to purchase through Klook, the official ticketing partner of MoCAF, with exclusive discounts and merchandise packages also available upon checkout.

MoCAF Returns Bigger and Bolder This Year — And Here’s What to Expect

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