Pecha Kucha with Hya: Perspectives of Fresh and Seasoned Cebuano Artists on the Creative Profession

Traditionally as the design capital of the country, Cebu, in recent years has also made its way to become a hub for innovation and multimedia art through IT outsourcing. With so many emerging artists getting attention, sometimes it can it has been a challenge to get your voice heard. Embracing a commitment to support and nurture promising ideas and talent, as exemplified through their artist-in-residence program, the company hosted a Pecha Kucha event highlighting five amazing artists from each other emphasizing diverse families sharing stories of struggles, growth and ultimate creative triumphs. The event highlighted that while being an artist is challenging, it’s not entirely impossible—especially in communities like Cebu, where an artist’s aspirations can actually be realized.

The Company Cebu’s Artist-in-Residence Program

Recognizing the importance of nurturing artistic talent, The Company prioritizes the support of artists through the artists in residency program. This Residence stems from the company’s deep love for creative design is the belief in the transformative power of art. By providing the time, space and resources for artists to achieve their craft, the company not only helps solve the challenges faced by individual artists but also contributes to the culture of local communities, which is shown over the fact that you can see some of those paintings made by the artists in both the IT park and Mandaue branch.

The residency program is more than just a show of support. It’s a testament to the company’s commitment to creativity and innovation. By supporting artists, the company is investing in a future where art continues to evolve and impact society in meaningful ways. Their support allows designers to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and ultimately present their vision to the world.

The Artist’s Journey: Overcoming Challenges

Each of the five artists who spoke at the event shared their personal journeys, highlighting the unique challenges behind their creative work. From being often discouraged by teachers to battling cancer or learning to combine two passions, these artists have shown incredible resilience and determination.
For example, one artist described her struggle to find positivity and communicate her pain while battling cancer. A friend suggested they start painting, and although initially skeptical, they were immediately intrigued. Painting became one of the few things that stood up to chemotherapy, and the first copies soon went on sale. Another artist from a creative family described a way to combine his “left and right brain”, mixing his love of photography with watercolors
These stories highlight the fact that the road to becoming an artist is rarely easy, for pain and art have always been closely intertwined, creating a complex relationship that challenges and stimulates. For many artists, pain isn’t just an experience—it’s a creative force, a catalyst for creative action. Whether it is the use of art as a means of transforming pain or the struggle with making art itself, pain is often at the heart of artistic expressions, perspectives, and connect people on a deeply human level. That is what makes them the storytellers, the visionaries and the critics who reflect the world around them and imagine new possibilities.

A Community of Growth and Potential for Artists

There is an age-old debate you’ve most likely encountered that revolves around the importance of art and science—basically, which of the two is more important or useful. Many people probably rely on science, because it offers tangible benefits that have shaped our world so much, allowing us to understand and change our environment, and leading to advances in engineering, medicine, and technology in the 19th century, to name a few. But when you look deeper, you have to wonder how unfounded and complex assumptions on both sides become discernible.

Creativity through the arts is just as important as STEM-related jobs, and of course the two often go hand-in-hand, though not immediately obvious. In Cebu, this cohesion is especially evident thanks to the city’s booming startups and vibrant arts community. The growth of the Cebu artist community is a manifestation of the city’s expansive potential. You will very evidently see this in art events such as Cebu Design Week, an annual event, celebrates local and international designers through exhibitions, talks, and workshops. Art Fair Philippines Cebu showcases contemporary art from local and emerging artists, drawing significant attention to Cebu’s vibrant art community. And Cebu Art Walk features open studios and gallery tours, offering a glimpse into the artistic processes of local creators.

As these artists develop their craft and gain recognition, they contribute to a cycle of development that benefits society as a whole. Their successes inspire others and draw attention to Cebu as a place of artistic excellence and innovation. This opens new opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and promotion, ensuring that the potential of Cebu artists continues to be realized Growth, however, is not just about individual success; it’s about collective progress. For a community that prioritizes growth recognizes that when one person rises, the entire community benefits.

Moving Forward with Cebuano Artists

Where tradition meets modernity, the role of artists is more important than ever. They serve as a bridge between Cebu’s rich past and its dynamic future, ensuring that as the city grows, it remains grounded in the values and stories that make it unique. Their work inspires others, provokes conversation and challenges state of affairs, artistic performance. It pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the field.
Additionally, Cebu’s rise as a hub for ICT and multimedia art will create new opportunities for collaboration and growth in creativity. With the emergence of more startups and tech companies, the demand for creativity has skyrocketed, providing local artists with unprecedented venues to showcase their work and influence the city’s growth

Cebu artists are not just participants in the city’s culture—they are its architects, forming the very fabric of what Cebu is and can be as the city grows and develops, and give the importance of contributing and this creative team is overtrained It can’t be that I’m done. In doing so, Cebu is not only preserving its cultural heritage, but also paving the way for a future where art and innovation come together, enriching the lives of all who call this vibrant city home.