ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Philippine Artists' Coalition AUPAX Protests 1,600-Hectare US-Led Pax Silica AI Hub

ai-technology · 2026-09-18

A coalition of Filipino creatives, known as Artists Unite Against Pax Silica (AUPAX), has voiced opposition to a proposed 1,600-hectare AI manufacturing hub by Pax Silica, a US-led venture involving 35 nations aimed at securing AI supply chains and diminishing dependence on China. The Philippines became a participant in April, allocating land in New Clark City for AI-related facilities. AUPAX has condemned the initiative for its potential "devastating effect" on both the environment and local communities. On September 6, they inaugurated the exhibition "ALL CAPS" in Quezon City, followed by a rally on September 11. Other organizations, such as the League of Anti-Imperial Artists and Artist Alliance for Peasant Rights, have also raised concerns. Industry leaders and Pope Leo XIV have expressed worries regarding the swift advancement of AI.

Key facts

  • AUPAX (Artists Unite Against Pax Silica) is a newly formed coalition of Philippine artists, writers, designers, and creatives
  • The coalition opposes a roughly 1,600-hectare AI manufacturing hub planned by Pax Silica, a US-led initiative
  • Pax Silica involves 35 signatory countries and aims to secure supply chains for AI's critical minerals, semiconductors, and manufacturing infrastructure
  • The Philippines joined the program in April, with land designated in New Clark City across Bamban and Capas in Tarlac province
  • AUPAX's open letter warned of a "devastating effect on land, environment, labor and [the] livelihoods of the Filipino people"
  • The exhibition "ALL CAPS: Art, Land & Labor—Creatives Against Pax Silica" opened September 6 at Sampaguita Projects Gallery in Quezon City
  • A rally at the proposed site on September 11 drew hundreds of people from allied organizations and the public
  • The Artist Alliance for Peasant Rights opened "Faux Pax: No Peace Without Genuine Land Reform" at Rift Gallery in San Juan City on September 12

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Artists Unite Against Pax Silica
  • AUPAX
  • Pax Silica
  • Sampaguita Projects Gallery
  • League of Anti-Imperial Artists
  • Artist Alliance for Peasant Rights
  • Rift Gallery
  • Anthropic
  • ArtAsiaPacific

Locations

  • Philippines
  • New Clark City
  • Bamban
  • Capas
  • Tarlac
  • Quezon City
  • San Juan City
  • China
  • United States
  • Luzon

Sources

Related stories