The Art Association of Bacolod-Negros (AAB-Negros), Visayas’ longest-running arts collective, launched its 50th anniversary celebration, with a major exhibition and art fair that opened July 18 at SM City Bacolod’s North Wing Atrium, cementing its role as a cornerstone of regional culture.
Dignitaries, including Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya’s representative, April Rose Mayo, AAB-Negros president Tey Sevilleno, and councilors Jason Villarosa, Em Ang, and Wilson Gamboa joined cultural stakeholders in inaugurating the milestone event.
Former congressman John Orola, noted for his tourism initiatives, added historical perspective to the ceremonies.
In his keynote address, Sevilleno traced the organization’s evolution from its 1975 founding by the late Edgardo “Budot” Lizares, to its current status as a cultural catalyst.
“Five decades represent generations of artists fueling Negrense identity. Our proudest legacy remains conceiving Bacolod’s iconic MassKara Festival – a vibrant tradition now shared globally,” Sevilleno stressed.
The anniversary program features two curated exhibitions alongside a 500-piece art fair embracing the theme “Art is for Everyone”, with works priced accessibly to encourage public engagement.
Spanning paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media installations, the exhibit is available for public viewing until July 31 during regular mall hours, and showcases Negros Occidental’s creative diversity.
Year-long initiatives include provincial art caravans, a Luzon-Visayas exhibition tour, and collaborative installations for this year’s MassKara Festival of Bacolod, the city said in a press release.
AAB-Negros simultaneously announced plans for youth mentorship programs and an archival project documenting Visayan art history, it added. | Bacolod City Communications Office photos
