Art Cologne Palma Mallorca Revives as German-Focused Fair with Strong Sales and Government Support

Art Cologne Palma Mallorca, making its return after a break, is underway at the Brutalist Palau de Congressos in Palma, Mallorca, and will continue until 12 April, featuring 88 exhibitors. The event showcases a strong German presence, with 26 galleries from Germany participating, drawing affluent German visitors who have vacation homes on the island. To promote a shift from 'fast food' tourism to cultural experiences, the government has provided around €500,000 in support, benefiting local galleries such as Art Palma Contemporani. Sales varied significantly: Eigen+Art sold works by artists including Titus Schade and Neo Rauch, while high-value pieces like Anselm Kiefer's €1.3m painting remained unsold. Paul Stolper sold Brian Eno's abstracts for €1,400 each, and Bastian offered three Picasso ceramics priced up to €69,000. Fair director Daniel Hug remarked on the positive atmosphere compared to a previous leaky venue, with local enthusiasm contributing to the event's revival. Some exhibitors noted that Mallorca’s appeal is enhanced by safety issues in other destinations like Dubai.