A newly formed creative coalition in the Philippines is pushing back against a planned AI manufacturing hub, taking their case from galleries to the streets. Artists Unite Against Pax Silica (AUPAX)a coalition of artists, writers, designers, and creativeshas mounted protests against a roughly 1,600-hectare complex proposed by Pax Silica, a US-led initiative to secure supply chains for AIs critical minerals, semiconductors, and manufacturing infrastructure. The Philippines joined the program in April, identifying land in the developing New Clark City, which spans Bamban and Capas in Tarlac province, for AI facilities.
In an open letter, AUPAX warned that construction would have a devastating effect on land, environment, labor and [the] livelihoods of the Filipino people, describing Pax Silica as a US attempt to consolidate its economic, political, military, and now technological domination in every corner of the globe. The initiative, backed by 35 signatory countries, is framed as reducing reliance on China amid a broader AI arms race.
From gallery walls to the proposed site
AUPAX launched its campaign on September 6 with ALL CAPS: Art, Land & LaborCreatives Against Pax Silica at Sampaguita Projects Gallery in Quezon City. Featuring works by a range of Philippine artists, the exhibition underscores the hubs potential toll on resources, labor, and quality of life. Momentum built days later: on September 11, a rally at the proposed site drew hundreds of people from allied organizations and the public.
Artists across the country have responded in parallel. The recently formed League of Anti-Imperial Artists launched its public programs on September 18, while on September 12, the Artist Alliance for Peasant Rights opened Faux Pax: No Peace Without Genuine Land Reform at Rift Gallery in San Juan City, using art to spotlight the effects of AI-related encroachment on farmers lands and resources.
Debate in the wider AI landscape
The artists actions align with a rising chorus of establishment concern over the pace of AI development. Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei has urged the industry to slow down and accept independent oversight, and Pope Leo XIV has called for standardized global regulation, warning against unchecked AI development.
As the Philippines positions New Clark City for AI infrastructure within a multinational, US-backed framework, AUPAX and allied groups are sharpening a cultural response rooted in land, labor, and community stakesbringing a national conversation squarely into galleries and the public square.
