Indulge your artsy streak at the Manilart 09, the first international art fair in the Philippines with about 40 local and Southeast Asian galleries participating, on July 17 to 19 at the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Over 500 artworks will be on display for the first time under one roof. Participating galleries include 1/of Gallery, ArtAsia, Art Circle, Art Informal, Art Verite, Artes Orientes, blanc art space, Boston Gallery, City Gallery, Choice Expression, e Galerie, Finale Art File, Galerie Astra, Galerie Francesca, Galerie Joaquin, Galerie Stephanie, Galerie Y, Gallery BiG, Gallery Genesis, Gallery Nine, Kaida Gallery, Kulay-Diwa, Linda Gallery, Manila Contemporary Gallery, Mariyah Gallery, Masterpiece Gallery, Metro Gallery, my little art space, Nicolas, Paseo Art Gallery, Phinma Gallery, QuattroCento, Renaissance Art, Ricco-Renzo Galleries, Silverlens, Tam-Awan, The Artesan, Village Art Gallery and Whitewall Gallery.

"This international art fair is just what we need to unite ourselves and showcase to the world how advanced we are in terms of the visual arts," says project director Jonathan Sy.

Manilart will also offer live art performances, daily forums and lectures, simultaneous art book launchings, on-the-spot painting competition, art auction, charity fundraisers and painting demonstrations.

Tickets cost P200 but students and senior citizens with valid IDs can get 50% off. The art fair will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here to view a map to the NBC Tent.

For more details, call 531-6231 or visit manilart.com.