STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN — Art, culture, and community came together on 6 November 2026 as the Filipino Artists Association of Sweden (FAAS) celebrated the private vernissage of ARTe, a group exhibition at Galleri Bellman, situated in Södermalm’s vibrant Hornsgatspuckeln art district, home to some of Stockholm’s most established galleries.

The evening brought together guests from the Swedish, Filipino, and international communities to celebrate the creativity and artistic journeys of ten women artists with roots in the Philippines.

Featuring paintings, sculptures, installations, and poetry, ARTe reflects the diverse artistic expressions of its participating artists: Marj Assow, Helen Svendgaard, Dianne Lane Co Tvärne (Mangyan Princess),  Irene Chua, Katrina Larida, Ophelia Persson, Jullianne Jabol, Isabella Smolarski, Aya Askert, and Sofia Nyberg known as swofya.

Among the evening’s highlights was the formal inauguration by the Philippine Ambassador to Sweden, H.E. Ambassador Patrick Chuasoto, whose opening remarks underscored the important role of art in connecting cultural heritage, identity, and the experience of living across multiple cultures.

Reflecting on the artists’ contributions, Ambassador Chuasoto remarked:

“These works don’t just reflect individual artistic journeys; they capture the lively, dynamic soul of the Filipino experience right here in Sweden.”

He further described art as a bridge between Filipino heritage and life in Sweden, expressing how painting, sculpture, and poetry allow artists to share their memories, identities, and aspirations while navigating life across different cultures.

The vernissage programme concluded with a musical performance by participating artist swofya, who performed one of her original songs, bringing another dimension of artistic expression to the evening.

Established in 2018, the Filipino Artists Association of Sweden is dedicated to enriching, empowering, and encouraging artists of Filipino heritage to establish and develop their artistic practice in Sweden and internationally.

More than an exhibition, ARTe celebrates the creative voices of Filipinos whose artistic journeys continue to flourish across cultures, bringing their heritage into meaningful dialogue with the diverse communities they call home.

For more information about the Filipino Artists Association of Sweden and its initiatives, visit https://filartswe.se/.