FOLLOWING two years of capacity-building initiatives, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), is set to relaunch the country’s premier performing arts trade platform, CREATEPhilippines x Manila International Performing Arts Market (MIPAM) 2026.
Scheduled for September 11 to 13, 2026, at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls and the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez at the CCP, the festival aims to position the Philippines as a central hub for artistic talent across Asia.
Co-presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the event carries the theme “Showcasing Asia to the World.”
Bridging Artistry and Business
Beyond public performances, CREATEPhilippines x MIPAM 2026 is designed as a trade-driven marketplace connecting local and international artists, producers, presenters, and cultural institutions to create concrete economic opportunities for the sector.
To strengthen the creative ecosystem, the event will feature several core business and development components:
- The Market & Pitching Sessions: Exhibition spaces and pitch platforms where arts organizations and independent talent can present creative projects directly to funders, venue managers, and global decision-makers.
- B2B Meetings & Networking: Dedicated one-on-one sessions pairing performing groups with international promoters and programmers to secure distribution, touring, and co-production deals.
- Business Access Center & Symposiums: Educational hubs offering practical guidance on pricing models, taxation, IP licensing, and pitch formulation tailored for creative entrepreneurs.
- Public Showcases: Live performances and jam sessions featuring Philippine National Performing Arts Companies and participating artists.
Expanding the Local Footprint in Asia
While the Philippine theater and performing arts revenue is projected to reach $260.52 million in 2026, it currently represents a fraction of Asia’s broader $15.9 billion market.
Festival organizers see the event as a strategic opportunity for local talent to tap into regional networks and expand international touring operations.
“Filipino talent and creativity have long been recognized as world-class,” said CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo. “Therefore, we must endeavor to help our artists transform their creative passions into a solid foundation for a sustainable career. That way, we ensure the continued evolution of Filipino arts and culture.”
Anchoring Philippine Creative Industries Month
The return of CREATEPhilippines x MIPAM builds on momentum from past programs, such as the 2024–2025 “Navigating the Tour Circuit” series, which trained hundreds of artists in product management, marketing, and global branding.
This year’s edition will serve as a centerpiece for Philippine Creative Industries Month in September, running alongside two major co-located events:
- SONIK Conference and Showcase Festival (Sept. 10–12)
- 2026 Federation Asia Cultural Promotion (FACP) Manila Conference (Sept. 9–12)
Registration for exhibiting artists, performing arts companies, and business delegates is currently open through the official CREATEPhilippines portal.
