“Ties That Bind”: Filipino Art Celebrates 80 Years of Philippine–Austrian Relations at the United Nations in Vienna

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VIENNA, Austria — October 8, 2026 — Art, culture and friendship took centre stage at the Vienna International Centre on October 7 as the VIC Club Filipino presented “Ties That Bind: 80 Years of Philippine–Austrian Diplomatic Relations – Art Exhibit 2026.”

Held at the VIC Restaurant Exhibition Area of the United Nations in Vienna, the exhibition brought together Filipino and Austrian-connected artists working in different creative disciplines. The event formed part of the year-long celebration of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Austria.

The Vienna International Centre, commonly known as the UNO-City, is one of the United Nations’ four official headquarters worldwide and has served as an important centre of international diplomacy in Vienna since its inauguration in 1979.

Art as a bridge between two nations

The exhibition’s title, “Ties That Bind,” captured the spirit of eight decades of relations between the Philippines and Austria. Through paintings, photography, fashion and the traditional Filipino craft of bobbin lace, the participating artists offered different perspectives on creativity, identity, heritage and the connections that bring people and cultures together.

The opening on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 16:00 onwards, provided an opportunity for guests to meet the artists and view their works in an international setting.

The exhibition features:

Bobbin Lace Art: Roxane Leidenfrost
Fashion Design: Zandrine Kocjan
Painting: Nancy Olea, Imelda Papai, Sarah Jozelle Rojas, Alyssa B. Semana and Edward Joshua Gatpandan
Guest Artist: Minda Marie Cabrera
Photography: Henri Manzano Abued and Günter Leidenfrost

Together, their works demonstrated the breadth of Filipino and Filipino-connected creativity in Austria—from traditional craftsmanship to contemporary visual expression.

Filipino creativity in an international setting

For the Filipino community in Austria, the exhibition represented more than an artistic presentation. It was also an opportunity to bring Philippine culture and creative talent into an international environment where people from different countries work and interact every day.

The choice of the Vienna International Centre was particularly fitting. The VIC is home to numerous United Nations organisations and international institutions and hosts people from more than 125 countries.

Art has long had a place within the Vienna UN complex. Its collection includes works by Austrian and international artists, and dedicated art tours are regularly offered to visitors.

Against this international backdrop, “Ties That Bind” offered another expression of cultural diplomacy—one communicated not through official documents or diplomatic statements, but through colour, form, craftsmanship, photography and design.

Celebrating 80 years of friendship

The year 2026 marks 80 years of Philippine–Austrian diplomatic relations, providing an important occasion to look back on the relationship between the two countries while also celebrating the people-to-people connections that have developed over the decades.

For Filipinos living in Austria, those connections are particularly visible in the growing Filipino-Austrian community, whose members contribute to Austrian society while maintaining strong links with Philippine culture and traditions.

The VIC Club Filipino art exhibition became part of that story, showing how culture can serve as a bridge between communities.

The event also highlighted the role of Filipino artists in Austria—not simply as creators of beautiful works, but as cultural ambassadors whose creativity can introduce aspects of Philippine heritage, contemporary life and identity to a wider international audience.

Exhibition continues until October 16

While the opening event took place on October 7, the exhibition remains on display at the VIC Restaurant Exhibition Area until October 16, 2026.

With “Ties That Bind,” the VIC Club Filipino has transformed an exhibition space at the United Nations in Vienna into a celebration of Philippine creativity and the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Austria.

Eight decades of diplomatic relations may be recorded in history and official documents, but exhibitions such as this remind us that the strongest ties are ultimately created by people, culture, friendship and shared experiences.