Patrons of the Arts (PotA), a local convention organizer, is facing scrutiny from local artists amid last-minute event cancellations, confusing instructions, and allegations of shutting out criticism.
PotA had initially canceled its Clark Summer art market on May 25, five days before the event’s scheduled run on May 30–31 in Angeles City, Pampanga. The cancellation was announced in a post made around midnight, followed roughly 24 hours later by another late-night statement on May 26 reversing the decision and saying the event would still push through.
By that point, however, many participating artists and merchants had already canceled accommodations and other related arrangements.
The initial event cancellation arose from PotA co-founder Joshua Malit stepping down, supposedly for health reasons, with all other events for the year either canceled or handed over to other organizers. PotA said it will undergo changes in its leadership and team structure in the meantime.
The sudden announcement drew backlash, especially from local artists who had already spent upwards of ₱20,000 to prepare for PotA Clark Summer. Table rates for the event range from ₱3,000 to ₱14,000.
Now, some artists and attendees are calling for a boycott of the event amid the uncertainty, while others have pointed out that exhibitors may be the ones directly affected if participation drops, as reduced foot traffic could impact sales rather than the organizer. PotA also released a list of participating artists—many of whom claimed they were not asked if they would still push through with the event.
Participating artists also claim that PotA is only offering refunds for those who can provide proof that they had canceled accommodations or travel plans after the May 25 announcement was made. Screenshots circulating among participants show an email request asking for proof of cancellations made between May 25, 12:05 a.m., and May 26, 12:26 a.m. (GMT+8).
The organizer has been under fire since early this month amid logistical issues, short-notice announcements, and alleged delays with business partners.
PotA Baguio Summer, held on May 17, made a last-minute change in location and schedule that organizers attributed to a double-booked venue. However, multiple partners and the venue itself disputed this, saying the space was never officially booked or confirmed, and had only been placed under a tentative hold. It was later allocated to a government event after PotA reportedly did not confirm or settle the booking. Artists said this was not directly communicated to them by PotA, but learned of it through the venue and partners instead.
Its other event for this month—PotA Legazpi Summer, scheduled for May 23 and 24 in Albay—was canceled for unspecified reasons.
Amid these issues, DayJobÜ, a local VTuber group co-producing Oshi Con with PotA set for August 15–16, announced on May 16 that it was ending the partnership, claiming that PotA failed to secure logistics for the event. The collaboration was reportedly announced only through the group’s Discord server and not publicly posted on PotA’s main social media pages.
The series of mishaps has led to broader conversations on accountability and fulfilling business obligations within the local art community. While some artists said PotA’s realignment as an organization was “much needed,” many still call for clear directives and fair compensation for the distress caused by the situation.
