A spectacular closing for ARCO 2023
The International Contemporary Art Fair of Madrid, known as ARCO, has closed its 45th edition with impressive figures. This cultural event attracted 95,000 visitors, generating an economic impact of 195 million euros. The event's director, Maribel López, described the outcome as "very positive," highlighting the quality and boldness of the participating galleries.
In this edition, 211 galleries from 30 countries presented works by over 1,300 artists, with a notable female representation reaching 40%. This diversity is reflected not only in the number of artists but also in the styles and formats exhibited, ranging from classic works to innovative proposals by young talents.
Throughout the event, nearly 40,000 art professionals visited ARCO, underscoring its relevance in the international art circuit. López noted that attendance remained steady even after opening to the general public, indicating a growing interest from all generations.
The commitment of the Reina Sofía Museum and other cultural institutions has been crucial in giving voice to emerging and established artists. This year, the reactivation of institutional purchases by the IVAM Museum of Valencia and Es Baluard of Mallorca stands out. Acquisitions made by entities such as the Community and the City Council of Madrid also highlight support for contemporary art.
Within the framework of the event, several awards were given to emerging artists and outstanding galleries. The Proyectos Ultravioleta gallery received the Lexus Award for Best Stand, while Julia Scher (Esther Schipper) and Jonas Englert (Anita Beckers) were awarded the XXI NEWARTaward@ARCO. Additionally, Esther Gatón was recognised with the X Alhambra Beer Award for Emerging Art.
Despite the achievements during ARCO 2023, the director called for a reduction in Cultural VAT to further benefit artists. During the opening, several creators joined together to support this crucial cause for the future of art in Spain.
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