Established in 2008 by artist and jewelry designer Annie Chen, Tropical Futures Institute initially started out as a conventional gallery focusing on promoting Cebuano artists as well as dealing Filipino masters in Cebu and Singapore. It has since moved beyond this model and has taken on multiple roles as a project space, cultural center and most recently a residency. Being only one of two galleries in a metropolitan area of over 2.5 million people with little to no contemporary institutions, Tropical Futures Institute has recognized the need for it to perform as more than just a white cube but rather a space that fosters a community around creativity. It is dedicated to serving the creative community in Cebu, the Philippines, and the international Filipino diaspora.