VIVA ExCon stands for VISAYAS ISLANDS VISUAL ARTS Exhibition and Conference. It is an art festival that happens every two years, or also what you call as a biennale.

VIVA ExCon is all about bridging the Visayan Islands in the purpose of sharing knowledge with regard to art practices and even inter-cultural dialogue in response to the challenges of different art communities in the Visayas.

The logo is a representation of the Patadyong, with a Pinili or Sampaguita design which directly originates from the Bagtason Loom Weavers of Bugasong, Antique.
The stripe and plaid pattern of the patadyong is subtracted to simulate a current, or a cross current (when inverted). The subtracted pattern also suggets the letters V and A (also when inverted). The colors are the most distinct combination found in the traditional wrap-around skirt.

The theme, “Suba sa Iraya” is conceptualized for the biennale and is taken from the Kinaray-a phrase, “Suba sa Iraya, Sa-og sa ilawod” characterizing the landscape of Antique. And for the artists, the idea of a crosscurrent, or traversing uphill against a current, encapsulates their practice as artists in their locality.

There will be main venues for the exhibitions of the festival-the Old Capitol and its grounds, Paghiusa Hall, University of Antique, and UMMA Aldea Warehouse in Odiong, Sibalom.

First and foremost, its is not only an art event meant for artists, but it is also meant for
students, enthusiasts, researchers, and the general public as it is a venue fort exchange of ideas and knowledge regarding artistic and cultural practices.

Secondly, it will benefit Antique economically in terms of the number of delegates we
are expecting to come (which is around 400), and the interest that it will generate for the long followers of VIVA ExCon throughout the years.

Thirdly, it will go down in history that Antique was able to host a Biennale - the longest
running in Southeast Asia itself. Not to mention that a lot has been written about it as an art
festival for the regions.

Fourthly, Antique will greatly benefit in terms of tourism and promotions or putting Antique on the map as VIVA ExCon has a reach of not only in the national but international art communities are also aware of it for a long time.

Antique Visual Artist Association is a duly registered entity. Its main goal is to respond to the needs of the art communities in Antique, and to create and bring in artistic programs for artists. SEC Reg #2021100028866-07

Green PAPAYA Art Projects is an art initiative that endeavours to provide a platform for
intellectual exchange, sharing of information, critical dialogue and creative / practical collaboration among the artistic community. It is the longest running independently run
multidisciplinary artistic platform in the Philippines. It was also the curatorial arm for VIVA ExCon 2018 in Capiz.