In February 2024, The Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) and the Tumba-Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art launched the first-ever If Trees Could Talk International Art Biennale, a cross-cultural art exhibition that aims to spark dialogue on environmental issues and serve as a catalyst for social transformation, especially in the age of the climate crisis.
The creation of the Biennale on the site of the children’s museum is the natural progression of CANVAS’ mission of using art and stories to promote children’s literacy, explore national identity, and deepen public appreciation for Philippine art, culture, and the environment. Held every two years on sprawling land lined with mango trees in the town of Ibaan, Batangas, If Trees Could Talk brings together local and international artists to share their perspectives and lend their practice in advocating for a sustainable and eco-friendly planet for generations to come.
The Biennale is a way for individuals, communities, and organizations to remember where our place is in our coexistence with the natural world around us, and to reflect on how we can stand in solidarity and in harmony with the planet’s trees, mountains, and rivers, and the lives and livelihoods that they support.
Artists and collectives that have participated in the first iteration of If Trees Could Talk include Geraldine Javier, Matthias Garff, Veronica Garcia, Laurence Vallieres, Cian Dayrit, Pam and John Santos, Mark Salvatus, Don Bryan Bunag, Spore Initiative, Elmer Borlongan, Lito Mondejar, and Leeroy New.
Aside from the installations and exhibitions onsite, the Biennale also partnered with different communities to organize workshops, bookgivings, and film festivals to further bring its advocacy closer to the people.
Next year, If Trees Could Talk extends its invitation beyond the host city, encouraging institutions, artists, and sites worldwide. If Trees Could Talk International Art Biennale 2026: Conversations Across Roots and Borders aims to cultivate a global forest of ideas, where each “tree” is a voice, and every site becomes a living testament to the shared narrative between nature and humanity.
Press
“If Trees Could Talk thus serves as a seed to turn an old mango orchard into the forthcoming Tumba-Tumba Children’s Museum of Philippine Art — an institution which will hopefully narrow the gap between art and social action, acting as a ‘third place’ to give children enjoyable learning experiences and foster healthy community relationships. Play, after all, is a right that must be protected as much as the sacred trees.”
— Jord Earving Gadingan, “If Trees Could Talk, Would They Ask For Hugs? A Biennale in Batangas,” Plural Art Mag
“In the Biennale, we are meant to feel the grass when we have become used to heels tapping on concrete, to bask in the warmth of the sun when we have learned to become afraid of it, to listen to the swaying of branches and the chirping of birds that live in it when nature has become a foreign realm to urban dwellers.”
— Amanda Juico Dela Cruz, “The Trees Say Hello,” Art+ Magazine
Join Us
Be a part of CANVAS and Tumba-Tumba’s 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, email gigo@canvas.ph.