A Guide to the City’s Thriving Creative Ecosystem
Creative Spaces and Nooks of Dumaguete City
Dumaguete City is home to diverse creative spaces that foster artistic expression and cultural gatherings.
The Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium, built in grand brutalist style, remains the largest theater of its kind outside Manila, seating 900. As Silliman University’s cultural hub, it has hosted major productions, including concerts, plays, and film festivals. One of its most significant events was the 2024 Philippine Music and Culture Summit, featuring National Artists Ryan Cayabyab (Music) and Alice Reyes (Dance).
For larger conventions and concerts, the New Uypitching Multi-Purpose Hall in Valencia spans 12,000 sqm and accommodates 5,000 people for major gatherings.
Live music thrives in smaller venues like Chada’a Music and Dreams, Neva’s, and Northpoint Food Park, while commercial spaces such as Robinsons Place Atrium (300 sqm) and Paseo Perdices Open Hall (150 sqm) regularly host fairs, expos, and literary events like PechaKucha.
Art galleries also play a key role in creative collaborations and exhibitions. These include:
Businesses providing platforms for collaboration include:
a hub for printed art, postcards, and visual storytelling.
located in nearby Valencia, showcasing traditional arts and crafts from local artisans, preserving cultural heritage through handmade works
a space where artists can purchase supplies, exhibit and sell their pieces, and join workshops on various creative disciplines
a multimedia production hub offering space and equipment for filmmakers, musicians, songwriters, and podcasters to bring their creative visions to life
These spaces reflect Dumaguete’s vibrant and growing creative industry, offering platforms for artists, musicians, writers, and cultural workers to connect and thrive.