Dan Michael Gallego 09.06.26 5 minutes read

Kalayaan sa Kulay Brings Together Art, Hope, and Second Chances at Ever Commonwealth

QUEZON CITY, PhilippinesJCI Manila’s Kalayaan sa Kulay, a fundraising art fair celebrating the power of creativity to transform lives, will take place on June 13 and 14, 2026 at the Ever Commonwealth Activity Center, bringing together artists, educators, collectors, civic leaders, and community advocates in support of vulnerable sectors through the transformative power of art.

Anchored on the theme “Tatlong Anyo ng Kalayaan” (Three Forms of Freedom), the event will feature artworks created by orphans, children, and persons with disabilities from Hospicio de San Jose, Persons Deprived of Liberty from Manila City Jail, students and artists from the Philippine Women’s University (PWU), and emerging Filipino artists from various partner communities.

More than a traditional art exhibit, Kalayaan sa Kulay is a fundraising platform that empowers communities to use their own talents to support their own development. Through art exhibitions, fundraising auctions, artist talks, workshops, community discussions, and creative showcases, the event transforms creativity into opportunity while promoting inclusion, rehabilitation, and artistic growth.

The project is built around three distinct narratives of freedom. Kalayaan sa Pangarap (Freedom to Dream) highlights the aspirations of orphans, children, and persons with disabilities from Hospicio de San Jose. Kalayaan sa Pagbabago (Freedom to Begin Again) showcases the journeys of Persons Deprived of Liberty from Manila City Jail as they rebuild dignity and self-worth through artistic expression. Kalayaan sa Sining (Freedom to Create) provides a platform for emerging artists and student-artists to pursue their creative passions and share their voices with a wider audience.

Visitors can expect a vibrant two-day celebration featuring curated exhibits, fundraising auctions, live art demonstrations, artist meet-and-greets, educational workshops, community discussions, and opportunities to purchase original works from participating artists. A fundraising luncheon will also gather supporters, partners, patrons, and advocates committed to advancing arts, education, rehabilitation, and community development.

The initiative is organized by JCI Manila in partnership with Hospicio de San Jose, Manila City Jail, Philippine Women’s University, Ever Commonwealth, Moreton Auctions, the Rotary Club of Manila, participating universities, artist collectives, galleries, private collectors, corporate partners, and community organizations committed to promoting social inclusion, rehabilitation, education, and arts development.

A key feature of Kalayaan sa Kulay is its hybrid fundraising model. Through a strategic partnership with Moreton Auctions, the project’s official digital auction partner, artworks will be made available through both onsite and online bidding platforms. This collaboration expands the reach of the fundraising initiative beyond the event venue, allowing collectors, supporters, and advocates from across the Philippines and abroad to participate in the cause while helping artists and beneficiary communities transform their creativity into meaningful opportunities.

“Kalayaan sa Kulay is more than an art fair. It is a movement that demonstrates how creativity can become a force for empowerment,” said the organizers. “Rather than fundraising for beneficiaries, we are creating a platform where beneficiaries themselves become active contributors to the welfare of their own communities.”

As the nation celebrates Independence Day, Kalayaan sa Kulay invites the public to reflect on a broader meaning of freedom: the freedom to dream, the freedom to begin again, and the freedom to create.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Media and Partnership Inquiries

For sponsorships, exhibit participation, media coverage, and partnership opportunities, interested parties may contact:

Melvin Lam
Project Chairman, Kalayaan sa Kulay
📱 0917 871 9466

Nigel Villanueva
Events Director, Kalayaan sa Kulay
📱 0927 794 3387

About JCI Manila

Founded in 1947, JCI Manila is the premier leadership development organization for young active citizens in the Philippines. Through impactful community projects, leadership initiatives, and sustainable partnerships, JCI Manila empowers individuals to create positive change and build a better future for society.