In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Butuan boat excavations proposes a compelling art exhibition and artist-led panel discussion. This multidisciplinary project explores the enduring significance of the Balangay not only as an archaeological treasure but as a symbol of cultural continuity, indigenous resilience, and ecological wisdom. The exhibition reimagines the Balangay as a vessel of memory, bridging the maritime past with contemporary realities through painting. These works draw from the lived experiences of Agusanon Manobo communities, the environmental textures of the Agusan River and Marshlands, and centuries-old boatbuilding traditions embedded in the cultural DNA of the Caraga region.

The art exhibition aims to visually narrate stories of seafaring, spiritual cosmologies, community craftsmanship, and sustainable water-based lifeways. This exhibition is not merely a backdrop to academic inquiry but a vital component of cultural dialogue, facilitating an emotional and reflective encounter with maritime heritage. The accompanying panel discussion will feature participating artists and heritage advocates, articulating the ways art functions as a vehicle for historical consciousness, intergenerational transmission, and localized sustainability practices. Positioned within the thematic framework of “Maritime Heritage and Sustainable Oceans,” this art exhibition aspires to honor the legacy of the Butuan boats while catalyzing cultural renewal and environmental stewardship through the arts.