Adaptive Reuse: The Silay Art Space

 

The Silay Art Space and Showroom, a century-old former medical facility.

Silay City, long hailed as the cultural and heritage capital of Negros Occidental, has once again reaffirmed its dedication to finding the balance between preserving history and enriching modern creativity. The Silay Art Space and Showroom is a testament to this philosophy—a structure that has played a pivotal role in history, stood the test of time, and now repurposed to serve a new generation while honoring its past.

The building that now houses the Silay Art Space was originally the Silay Puericulture Center, established during the early American period in 1915. Puericulture centers were maternity clinics and children's hospitals, constructed as part of a nationwide campaign initiated by Trinidad Rizal, sister of national hero Dr. José Rizal, to improve maternal and infant healthcare in the Philippines.

It’s more than a gallery; it’s a thriving hub where heritage and contemporary craft converge, celebrating the hands and hearts that keep Silay’s creative spirit alive.

This particular center was founded by Dr. Jose Corteza Locsin, who was then a young physician returning from his medical studies at the University of Santo Tomas. Learning of the campaign and inspired by the call to address the high infant and maternal mortality rates in his hometown, he rallied relatives and friends to establish this vital facility. For decades, it served as a cornerstone of healthcare for Silaynons, providing the much-needed medical services to mothers and children.

Architecturally, the building follows the Filipino “Tsalet” style, an adaptation of the traditional bahay kubo layout. The design emphasized sanitation and airflow, which were then necessary components for a healthcare facility. Although the structure has undergone modifications over the years, remnants of its original form remain, such as the exposed wooden beams and high ceilings that once served as ventilation features.

It’s more than a space; it’s where Silay’s artistic lineage grows, shaping the next generation of visionaries while keeping them rooted in their heritage.

Succumbing to the battering of time, the building fell into disrepair, eventually causing operations to cease. Recognizing its historical significance, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines funded the restoration of the structure in 2017. However, with the evolving demands of modern healthcare, the center could no longer function as a medical facility. The challenge then arose: how could this space continue to serve the Silaynon community while preserving its heritage?

The answer lay in Silay’s deeply rooted artistic culture. In 2023, the local government officially repurposed the building into the Silay Art Space and Showroom, exclusively dedicated to Silaynon artists. This transformation provided much-needed room for creative expression, allowing artists to showcase their works while maintaining the link to Silay’s history.

Neil Solomon "Solo" L. Locsin, an advocate for heritage conservation and adaptive reuse, emphasizes the importance of reimagining rather than demolishing. "There are so many dynamic and bright ideas that you could do to your old structures without destroying them. Because there is so much beauty, heritage, and the stories that deeply connect you to them. Our ancestors lived differently in the past from the way we do now, but we have something constant, and that is our tangible heritage to remind us of our past. And I think that is Silay’s message as a heritage destination."

Silay is more than just a city of history—it's a canvas where the past meets the present.

Today, the Silay Art Space serves as an exhibition venue for local artists and various cultural activities. Its main gallery occupies what was once the children’s ward, preserving the original layout and architectural details. The high ceilings, vents, and structure all remain intact, providing the perfect backdrop to contemporary works of art on display.

For Silaynon artists who have made names for themselves outside the city, this space finally provides a homecoming venue where they can share their creations with the people they grew up with. Through a strong partnership between local creatives and cultural organizations, the Silay Art Space is proving early on that progress and preservation are not mutually exclusive.

Solo further highlights why the space is a fitting venue for art: "Silay has always been a place for the arts, a realm of the arts. Some of our artists have no place to express their creativity and their talent, so it is a perfect place because it is still deeply rooted in history, its architectural styles are very conforming to the built environment of Silay, what Silay relates to as its identity."

With the growing interest in art and cultural tourism, the Silay Art Space has become an essential venue for creative expression. The local government envisions further expanding its role by strengthening its programs for local artists, establishing more collaborative projects, and making the space more accessible to emerging talents, ensuring that art, heritage, and progress all go hand in hand. 

(Left) Solomon Locsin, OIC Public Information Office, Silay City. (Center) two traditional Filipino dresses with intricate embroidery and floral patterns. (Right) Ian Valladarez, one of the resident artists.

As Silay City moves forward, it continues to embrace its past while fostering creativity. The transformation of the former puericulture center into the Silay Art Space sends a powerful message and is a progressive symbol of how a city can honor its history while also creating space for its future. Through efforts like these, Silay remains not only a heritage destination but also a thriving cultural and artistic hub, ensuring that its creative spirit endures and evolves for generations to come.

Article and video script by: Liway Espina
Photos: Paolo Correa / Allen Casilao / Morluck

Video by: Grilled Cheese Studios