Venazir, a Filipina street muralist and visual anthropreneur, weaves a vibrant tapestry of intersectional stories, exploring the intricate relationships between human traditions and the ever-changing landscapes that shape them. Through her dynamic, fragmented, and animated works, she threads the narratives of diverse communities in which she has immersed herself, binding them with a symbolic red thread.

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The Hilabana movement, founded by Venazir Martinez, is a groundbreaking public art initiative that transforms urban landscapes into living narratives, weaving together Filipino identities and stories from around the world. Emerging from Baguio City in 2018, Hilabana—meaning “woven path”—utilizes the powerful motif of the red thread to connect the fragmented yet enduring identities of the Filipino diaspora, symbolizing an unbroken lineage of cultural pride, resilience, and shared history.

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The red thread, central to each mural, embodies the invisible bonds that link people, families, and communities across distances, bridging past and present, local and global. Through large-scale, vibrant murals, Hilabana tells tales of migration, the unyielding spirit of the Filipino people, and the ongoing journey to preserve cultural roots amidst ever-changing environments. With each stroke, these murals capture the legacies of diaspora communities, celebrating their contribution to the world’s diverse cultural fabric.

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Hilabana expanded internationally, making its mark during Filipino American History Month through exhibitions in the United States. Venazir’s solo showcase at the John Hope Franklin Center at Duke University and the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco sparked deep connections with diasporic Filipino communities. These exhibitions underscored the red thread’s role in bridging Filipino identities, showing how each mural strengthens connections to heritage and evokes pride in a shared cultural journey.

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Venazir’s recent works, including Ani – Harvested Hopes in San Francisco’s South of Market District, highlight her dedication to capturing the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of migrant communities. This mural honors the dreams of Filipino workers who have come to the United States, illustrating how public art can hold space for individual stories within a broader, collective narrative. Collaborations such as those with New York City's City Canvas Program have further expanded Hilabana’s reach, allowing her to examine migration’s profound impact on urban landscapes through the symbolism of the red thread.

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In December 2024, Venazir was honored with The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award, a prestigious annual national recognition given to Filipinos aged 18 to 40 who have made significant contributions to their field or community. Organized by JCI Philippines with the support of the TOYM Foundation, the award highlights inspiring examples of selfless service to humanity. This accolade underscores Venazir’s exceptional contributions to public art and cultural heritage, as well as her role as a global ambassador of Filipino identity.

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As Hilabana continues to grow, Venazir envisions a global network of murals, each a unique yet connected thread in a tapestry of diverse histories and identities. These murals serve as maps of the human experience, linking people across cultures and time. The movement is a testament to the power of art in fostering dialogue on identity, migration, and resilience, inviting people to explore their roots and reimagine their place within a larger, interconnected world.