About the first Biennale and our Plans for the Next in 2026

CANVAS and the Tumba-Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art proudly introduced the first "If Trees Could Talk" International Art Biennale, an initiative aimed at using art to spark reflection and dialogue on environmental issues, particularly climate change last February 2024.

The theme is a recurring one for CANVAS, which organized three "If Trees Could Talk" group exhibitions in 2014, 2017 and 2018, among other environment-related books and events. the issue is deeply rooted in our origins. Our very first book, "Elias and His Trees", was a celebration of the beauty and importance of trees, and the power of individuals to effect positive change.

Hosted by Tumba-Tumba within its 1.5 hectare mango-tree lined land in the town of Ibaan, Batangas, just 90 minutes outside Metro Manila, the Biennale is not merely an event - it is an expression of a larger vision to foster much needed conversation about the larger issue of climate change and sustainability that define the challenges facing us today, and our children in the coming future.

This advocacy is reflected in the careful selection and the various projects of the artists in this inaugural Biennale - from Geraldine Javier's, Matthias Garff's, Veronica Garcia's and Laurence Vallieres' use of found and recycled objects; to multi-sensory spaces intended by Cian Dayrit, Pam and John Santos, Mark Salvatus, Don Bryan Bunag's and the Spore Initiative to encourage communion with nature; to Elmer Borlongan's, Lito Mondejar's and Leeroy New's large scale pieces deliberately designed to evoke scale and wonder.

As an inaugural undertaking, this was our proof of concept, and capability.

For the next edition in 2026, we envision the Biennale expanding beyond the borders of our humble land. We see other spaces, other artists, other museums, participating and creating similarly themed installations to slowly and collectively create a global conversation about our shared future.

Join CANVAS and TUMBA-TUMBA on this artistic journey, where every stroke and every leaf has a story to tell. Help us to generate much needed conversations, raise awareness about environmental issues, and inspire positive action towards a more sustainable future. 

To participate in and learn more about the next If Trees Could Talk International Art Biennale, please email gigo@canvas.ph.

PARTNERS

  • The Panta Rhea Foundation began in 2001 as a progressive family foundation supporting organizations building a just and sustainable world.

    The foundation’s name, Panta Rhea, is inspired by Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. It roughly translates to “You never step into the same river twice” or “All things change, all things flow”—suggesting both inherent constancy and change as a fundamental of life itself.

    Today, its mission is "to catalyze a just and sustainable world through food sovereignty, community power building, and grassroots liberation around the globe."

  • Spore Initiative facilitates cultural projects at the intersection of climate justice, ecological regeneration, and education, in dialogue with earth protectors in the Global South and the Global North. The Spore House in Berlin is a platform for exchange, dialogue, and mutual learning. At the core of our work is the weaving of dialogues and the nurturing of common grounds that exist between communities, organizations, and people who may be geographically or culturally far from one another but are linked through practices of care for the earth.

  • The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute, and is active worldwide. It promotes the study of German abroad and encourages international cultural exchange.

  • Looking for Juan (L4J) is the merchandising partner of CANVAS. An online store, L4J seeks to redefine what it means to be Filipino by offering children’s books published by CANVAS and other unique art-inspired items that celebrate homegrown creativity.

    Proceeds from its sales of books and merchandise benefit the One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children Campaign of CANVAS.

  • Through the imaginative exhibits within ANOHA—The Children’s World of the Jewish Museum in Berlin, children of all ages are given a sense of hope and possibility. Located within an existing former flower market hall, the heart of ANOHA is a circular wooden ark, standing almost 23 feet (7 meters) tall with a 92-foot (28-meter) base diameter. ANOHA is populated by more than 150 sculptural animals, each created from found objects by a team of 18 Berlin artists. This approach encourages children to consider the importance of recycling and adaptive re-use, while supporting ANOHA’s core philosophy of creativity and imagination.