Lisbon confirms its status as a new contemporary art capital for the second time

The contemporary art world once again turns the spotlight on Lisbon for the second edition of ARCOlisboa, organised by IFEMA, from 18 to 21 May in the Fábrica Nacional da Cordoaria. Quality contents and a focus, by the 58 galleries from 13 countries, on projects of a high standard will once again convert ARCOlisboa 2017 into the Portuguese capital’s major art and social event. In addition to the attractions of the Fair, an extensive art and cultural programme will take place in the city, awakening the interest of international collectors, renowned professionals and the general public.  

On this edition, the General Programme will welcome 50 galleries selected by the Organising Committee, 58% of which are foreign. Portugal’s most important galleries will be represented: Cristina Guerra, Pedro Cera and Vera Cortês from Lisbon, Murias Centeno, Quadrado Azul –both of which also have venues in the capital- from Oporto,  Fernando Santos and Pedro Oliveira along with other interesting projects from Braga - Mario Sequeira- and from the Azores - Fonseca Macedo. Additionally, there will also be a remarkable international presence with galleries such as Elba Benítez, Juana de Aizpuru, Giorgio Persano, Nueveochenta, Vermelho, Monitor, Zak Branicka, among others. Under the Outstanding Artist concept, visitors will focus their attention on works ranging in scope from the historic Avant-gardes to the contemporary classics and current art.

The novelty of ARCOlisboa 2017 will be Opening, a new curated section to include the participation of 8 national and international galleries under seven years old, selected by João Laia, the Portuguese writer and curator. Thus, the programme will include a representation of the Portuguese art scene’s young galleries, including Francisco Fino, Hawaii-Lisbon, Madragoa and Pedro Alfacinha, in dialogue with international counterparts such as Bwa Warszawa, Dürst, Britt & Mayhew, José García or Narrative Projects. 

Thus, the scope of the Fair will range from the emerging artists represented in Opening such as Renato Leotta or Karlos Gil to creators of international repute such as Erwin Wurm, José Pedro Croft, João Louro, Sergio Vega, Nathaniel Mellors and Carlos Garaicoa, alongside more classic pieces by the contemporary masters –Picasso, Vieira da Silva, etc-, in galleries such as Leandro Navarro, João Esteves de Oliveira and José de la Mano.

In addition to its gallery programme, independent Portuguese publishers and bookshops will also be present at ARCOlisboa in the ´As tables are shelves´ space, under the direction of Luiza Teixeira de Freitas and Ana Baliza. This is a space for the discovery of new editorial contents, to be completed with the presence of other local and international magazines and publications linked to contemporary art. 

During the month of May, Lisbon becomes a city wholeheartedly dedicated to contemporary art, joined in its enthusiasm by the Feria de la Câmara Municipal de Lisboa, Fundaçao EDP and the Portuguese Ministry for Culture, EGEAC, Turismo de Portugal and Turismo de Lisboa which, along with other institutions, art centres and galleries, offering their support in the form of different exhibitions and events, thus providing opportunities for encounters with ARCOlisboa’s participants and guests. All of this at a time of particular dynamism in the country’s art scene, coinciding with the new Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia (MAAT) de la Fundação EDP, new galleries and non-profit spaces.