After Patrons of the Arts cancellations, artists stage own art market

Protest of the Arts will offer free entrance and legal guidance for artists affected by canceled events.

Local artists will stage a “protest” art market in response to the cancellation of Patrons of the Arts (PotA) events that cost dozens of merchants thousands of pesos in inventory, travel, and table fees.

Project Lemons, an artists’ space at the Hub Make Lab in Escolta, Manila, announced the one-day art market “Protest of the Arts: The People’s Art Market” on September 13 for artists affected by recent event cancellations.

“Instead of doomscrolling and waiting for updates, we’re doing what we do best—when life gives you lemons, make something out of it (or squeeze it on their eyes!),” Project Lemons said in an Instagram post on August 8.

The People’s Art Market will have free admission and a ₱750 fee for each artist who intends to sell at the pop-up. The event will also feature a free community talk with a lawyer on proprietary rights, contracts, and small claims to help artists better understand their legal options.

Art convention organizer Patrons of the Arts (PotA) faced scrutiny in May this year after suddenly canceling several of its remaining events for the year amid co-founder Joshua Malit stepping down, prompting a supposed internal reorganization. 

Some events have not been canceled and are believed to still be pushing through, although participating artists say they have received little to no updates from the organizers. Malit’s wife, Isabel, has told artists that ticket sales are providing funds for the organization, which some artists speculate could be used to help cover refunds.

Artists alleged a lack of communication from the organization, while also raising concerns over delayed table reservation fee refunds and canceled accommodations.

One former PotA event, Magic and Mystics, pushed through on August 1 and 2 under what was reportedly new management, but faced concerns over last-minute updates, unclear refund policies, and low foot traffic due to the lack of promotions.

The emergence of The People’s Art Market, seemingly in response to the PotA controversy, also gives affected artists a way to recover some of the losses from canceled events while learning more about their legal protections.

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