The Philippines is making a big bet on Contemporary art by focusing its cultural efforts there. With a number of high-profile SouthEast Asian artists, the move makes sense:

The Philippine cultural landmark that makes art accessible to all, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, is taking a new direction this year as it redefines itself with heightened focus on local and foreign contemporary art. At the height of success of the Philippine brand of contemporary art–with more local artists’ works fetching critical acclaim and high demands in international art galleries, not to mention record-breaking performances in art auctions–the Met’s new board of trustees, with art publisher and educator Tina Colayco at the helm, revitalizes the 37-year old art institution to make it the country’s leading museum and resource center for Philippine contemporary art and design.

“Contemporary art transcends boundaries and language, that’s why for this museum [with a philosophy of bringing ‘Art for All’], we felt that it would be an important strategy to really focus on contemporary art,” says Colayco. […]

“We want Met to be known for contemporary art,” says well-known art critic and curator Dr. Patrick Flores.

A New Home for Philippine Art (Manila Standard Today)