Insider Spotlight
Keehan’s appointment, announced on Feb. 4, will take effect following standard clearance and compliance procedures.
The foundation said the move underscores its long-term commitment to arts and culture as a pillar of national development, while positioning Kontempo as a platform for contemporary artistic practice with regional and global resonance.
Why it matters
The appointment signals Ayala Foundation’s ambition to anchor Kontempo as a leading contemporary art institution rooted in Philippine communities while remaining in active dialogue with the international art world.
Fernando Zobel de Ayala, chair of Ayala Foundation, said, “Following a global search, we are delighted to welcome Reuben to define and develop the institution and its program. His selection reflects our ambition to build an institution that is rooted in the Philippines, attentive to its communities, and in active dialogue with the international art world.”
Who is Reuben Keehan
Keehan will relocate later this year from Australia, where he has served as curator of contemporary Asian art at Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art since 2011.
He played a central role in shaping the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art from its seventh edition onward, working closely with artists and institutions across Asia and the Pacific, including the Philippines.
In a press statement on Feb. 11, 2026, Keehan said, “I am deeply honored to take on the role of Artistic Director. The Philippines has long been a vital and dynamic force within contemporary art and culture in the region.”
About Kontempo
Kontempo derives its name from “contemporary,” expressed through Filipino orthographic usage.
The center will present exhibitions, commissions, research, education, and community-facing programs as part of a broader creative campus integrated into everyday urban life.
Located along the Pasig River, the site aligns with the government’s revitalization of the 25-kilometer Pasig River Esplanade.
The center will form part of the Circuit Makati estate, a 2.5-hectare cultural district developed on the former Santa Ana Race Track.
What’s next
Kontempo will feature three major gallery spaces totaling about 2,500 square meters, alongside 15,000 square meters of open green space for installations and public use. Further details on construction milestones, exhibitions, and partnerships are expected to be announced in due course, ahead of its full public launch. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
