Fall in love with art as you meet fellow creative minds at Atúa Midtown!
Cebu’s art community is known for its many pop-up events where you can purchase unique artworks, gizmos, and knickknacks.
Now, you won’t have to wait for the next event or bazaar to connect with some of Cebu’s renowned artists and collectors.
In the heart of Cebu City, you’ll find Atúa Midtown, a cozy art alley made for Cebu’s creative community. It’s home to shops that have a wide range of art pieces, trinkets, books, clothing, and other quirky collectibles on display.
What’s more is that it has coffee shops too!
This snug little space is nestled behind Eddie’s Hotel along F. Manalo Street near Mango Avenue.
Created by Tubo Cebu Art Fair Director Allen Tan, its main goal is to be an accessible location for everyone to appreciate Cebu arts and crafts.
Its name translates to “ours” in the Bisaya language, referencing its communal nature where everyone bonds over a shared love of creativity.
Within its two-floored aisles are a dozen art supply shops, design stores, souvenir boutiques, bookstores, a cafe, and an open space to host events like a garage sale, a concert, or even a live painting exhibit.
Each shop has its own unique products that may tempt you to splurge.
SHOPS AT ATÚA MIDTOWN CEBU
- Solarpop
This quaint souvenir shop is owned by Happy Garaje, the Cebu art duo that painted the murals for Abaca Baking Company and the Mango Jeep modernized jeepneys.
Solarpop is defined as a “happy mix of handmade things and quirky finds”, selling adorable accessories like bracelets, earrings, sunglasses, necklaces, rings, and many more.
Their pocket watches stand out for their fascinating carvings and functionality. They also sell cute notebooks, posters, and a few of Happy Garaje’s signature wood carvings.
- Neue Design Store
The Neue Design Store is a home for collectible items like toys, clothes, and even home essentials made by Filipinos. Its fun-loving nature is on full display with their tagline “Not Everybody’s Usual Essentials.”
It’s a great spot to buy products from Designer & Art Toys PH (formerly Toy Art PH) who have presented their original creations in several international conventions. You can also find samurai-inspired figurines from Quiccs and popular toys from around the world courtesy of Blind Box.
Neue also distributes tie-dyed clothes from Tiediet, original streetwear pieces from Medium Designwear, and self-care products from Saan Saan.
- Siyam Art Souvenirs
Siyam is the official postcard and souvenir shop of Grafik 9, a printing press located across from the University of San Carlos Talamban Campus. This art shop offers several prints and art pieces inspired by Filipino and Cebuano culture.
Everything from their mass produced postcards to their keychains and refrigerator magnets reference Filipino culture such as its food, locations, and products popularly used by Filipinos.
Notable products include an adorable whale-shark clip, a mini caldero (cauldron), a Philippines-inspired backpack from Victor Cantal, and keychains representing two big Cebuano universities: The University of San Carlos and the University of San Jose-Recoletos.
- Quick Brown Fox Leather
Another Cebu art shop at Atúa Midtown is Quick Brown Fox, a leather shop offering tons of different services for a variety of leather products.
You can purchase their leather bookmarks, wallets, keychains, and more. They also offer repair and restoration services for leather items as well as customization based on a customer’s needs.
The leather shop provides home care items for your leather products as well, like a Home Bag Spa Kit, Leather Milk, and a Desiccant Pack.
OTHER NOTABLE TENANTS AT ATÚA MIDTOWN
- Shepard Life Goods
The shop offers self and home care items made from sustainable materials. Bestsellers include sanitizers, shampoo bars and scented candles.
- Owl Bookshop
Welcome to a quiet bookshop where customers can purchase uniquely crafted coffee and cocktails while reading their books.
- Luna Gazette
A budget-friendly cafe with cute, artistic interiors. The owners refer to it as a cafe for a fictional publication inspired by real-life events and people.
- Studio Amping
Many Cebuanos call it the cutest tattoo shop in Cebu, famous for their minimalist designs and exquisite tattoo art.
- Galerie Inatù
An art gallery that showcases documentary photography and organizes creative pop-ups.
WHY VISIT ATÚA MIDTOWN
A Rappler article refers to Atúa Midtown as a “brick and mortar space for all creatives”. (2024)
As the world adapts to the digital age, a physical location like this creates a community not just for customers, but also for fellow artists and tenants.
It’s a “reimagined playground” for creators of every art form where they can widen their horizons and explore their craft. Customers, on the other hand, are introduced to a variety of creative outlets where they too can explore and expand their taste and preferences.
With various events held at Atúa, one can look forward to the sense of belonging that comes with a community-centered space.
Art Warrior Philippines recently held their Live Painting Competition here, where artists from around the country created impressive art pieces on the spot.
Quick Brown Fox occasionally hosts a Leather Crafting workshop as well to introduce customers to the meticulous art form.
Workshops and talks by renowned documentary photographers Larlo Ray and Ezra Weigel have also taken place at Galerie Inatù, including a book signing by social media influencer Geloy Concepcion.
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The so-called community center plays a big part in the Cebu art industry, creating an inclusive venue for every kind of artist. As a customer, you’re not just visiting to buy cool new things, but to be part of a much bigger community as well.
Atúa Midtown is Cebu’s newest creative space for modern art in the Philippines. No matter what kind of art you like, you can bet that there is a shop here to highlight it.
HOW TO GET THERE
Exact Location:
Behind Eddie’s Log Cabin, F. Manalo Street, Barangay Kamputhaw
Operating Hours:
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Note: Some tenants open at a later time. You can check a shop’s operating hours on their respective social media pages.
REFERENCES:
Rappler.com. 2024. Atua Midtown: Cebu’s ‘reimagined playground’ for creatives. Rappler.
https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/arts-culture/atua-midtown-cebu-city-creative-community-hub-december-2024/
