ARCO Art Fair 2024

Madrid Art Fair

Curatorial Highlights

This is the 43rd edition of ARCO. This year, ARCO is featuring:

• 206 galleries from 36 countries
• showcasing the work of over 1,300 artists.
• It’s expected to attract around 100,000 visitors, the largest art fair in Southern Europe.

The spotlight this year is on the Caribbean, which isn’t much of a surprise, considering ARCO’s tradition of highlighting art from a specific region each year. Alongside the special Caribbean section, they’ve kept the Latin-American section, titled “Never the Same,” which I remember from the pandemic—it seems to have become a fixture over the past few years.

Arco Madrid Application process

Participating in ARCO Madrid: The fair does not accept individual artist applications. Instead, artists must be represented by a commercial gallery, which must apply on their behalf. A gallery must be open for at least two years before applying to any professional trade show or art fair.

Selection Criteria and Point System

ARCO Madrid employs a strict selection process, relying on a point system to assess gallery applications. The jury evaluates each gallery’s program and proposal based on specific criteria. Factors like previous participation in ARCO or representation of artists who have participated increase a gallery’s score. New galleries may find entering more challenging, as the point system often favors established galleries with a history at the fair. Here is their application page for 2025. 

Noticeable booths

Firstly, several booths featured small, secretive inner rooms, like the one at Freijo Gallery. These rooms were not typical storage rooms but rather substantial areas, almost the size of small booths in other smaller art fairs. I inquired about this setup and learned that it’s a strategic move. Galleries submit proposals with established artists, enabling them to get approved by ARCO. Then, they build smaller rooms for emerging artists. It allows young talents to showcase at ARCO without competing directly with old masters and maintains the booth’s curatorial integrity. It’s almost like a clever hack.

Two galleries collaboration

Secondly, I noticed a unique space between the two galleries, Meyer Riegger and Ehrhardt Florez. This intentionally hidden space served as a connection between the two galleries. Upon inquiry, the staff explained that both galleries represent the artist Peppi Bottrop, hence their decision to share the space in every aspect: fees, logistics, setup, and sales. This collaborative approach fosters teamwork and creates a unique visitor experience. I wonder why this practice isn’t more common, because it’s a really good idea.

ARCO, criticized as inaccessible.

It’s worth noting that this year’s ARCO has faced criticism, as is often the case, with two main points standing out:
Firstly, there’s a noticeable lack of innovation. After 43 years, things can start to feel repetitive. While consistency is reassuring, there’s a shortage of new ideas, media, and experimental endeavors. Despite being a trade show where sales are paramount, nurturing creativity and pushing boundaries is essential.
Secondly, accessibility has become a significant concern. With ticket prices soaring to 52 EUR per person at the ticket office and 40 EUR online, it’s becoming increasingly inaccessible to those from more modest backgrounds. This high cost alienates potential art lovers and collectors, hindering the growth of the art community. Many online commenters have voiced their discontent with this issue.

New and Noteworthy Participants

ARCO Madrid 2023 welcomed significant new participants, including prominent American gallery David Zwirner. Additionally, the fair features two curatorial programs and introduces ArtsLibris, adding further diversity and intrigue to the event. The art fair has regained momentum, boasting a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

The misfortune of some…

Spain, with Portugal, is the least impacted economically in Europe by the war in Ukraine because it is mainly independent of Russian Gaz and Oil. Spain’s control of the inflation rate and how the people and government faced pandemics make it now one of the best countries to invest in. Where cash flows, Art thrives.

Geopolitical benefits

ARCO is one of the biggest art fairs in Europe. But it always struggled to get attention from the US and North European galleries. Yet, this economic and geopolitical situation now drives the art world. It has nothing to do with ARCO’s strategic choices.

Crisis and Art

In this period of financial markets’ instability, investors are traditionally turning their interest to Art. Economic downturns tend to make the ultra-wealthy individuals, who represent a significant portion of the art market’s clientele, increase their consistent demand for Art.

Previous ARCO editions

• 2022: 209 galleries from 30 countries. This year, the Basel Group kicked the French art fair FIAC out of Paris (Article on Flash Art)
• 2021: 130 galleries from 27 countries. ARCO opened in July when other pandemics canceled other art fairs.
• 2020: 209 galleries from 30 countries