Arco Madrid 2026 Opens Amid Protests Over VAT Inequality and Middle East Tensions
The 45th edition of Arco Madrid commenced on February 22, 2023, at Ifema's pavilions 7 and 9, featuring 211 exhibitors from 30 nations, although the Green Art gallery from Dubai was absent due to tensions in the Middle East. The opening day attracted a large number of collectors and industry professionals. Concerns have arisen among Spanish galleries (74 exhibitors) regarding the country's 21% VAT on art, prompting artists to protest for a reduction. Noteworthy exhibitors include Leandro Navarro (Juan Gris), Mayoral (Picasso), and Thaddaeus Ropac (Baselitz). The focus on emerging art has diminished, with historic galleries fading away, while Portuguese gallerists are becoming more prominent. The fair displays installations, sculptures, and numerous works by female artists, featuring three curated sections that explore diverse themes and new talent.
Key facts
- Arco Madrid 2026 opened yesterday at Ifema pavilions 7 and 9.
- 211 exhibitors from 30 countries are present; Green Art from Dubai is absent due to travel issues.
- Spanish galleries protest the 21% VAT on art, demanding a reduced cultural VAT.
- The National Consortium of Contemporary Art Galleries distributed stickers and plans further protests.
- Historic galleries like Helga de Alvear and Juana de Aizpuro have disappeared from the fair.
- Portuguese gallerists are gaining ground due to Portugal's 6% VAT.
- Lia Rumma returns to Madrid after many years.
- Thematic sections include ARCO2045, Perfiles, and Opening.
- 38 special projects include a tribute to Ouka Lele and works by Olafur Eliasson, Jaume Plensa, and Ugo Rondinone.
- Parra & Romero's stand reproduces Carlo Scarpa's Brion Memorial.
Entities
Artists
- Juan Gris
- Giorgio Morandi
- Pablo Picasso
- Georg Baselitz
- Arnulf Rainer
- Pedro Cabrita Reis
- Juliao Sarmento
- Joana Vasconcelos
- Carlos Bunga
- Vihls
- William Kentridge
- Vanessa Beecroft
- Gian Maria Tosatti
- Giuseppe Stampone
- Esther Ferrer
- Belén Rodriguez
- June Crespo
- Eva Frabregas
- Lucía Pino
- Diana Policarpio
- Glenda León
- Monica Bonvicini
- Ludovica Carbotta
- Marina Paris
- Pamela Diamante
- Marc Bauer
- Maya Escher
- Helana Lapas
- Roberto Jacobi
- Blanca Gracia
- Marco Eusepi
- Michele Gabriele
- Victor Jaenada
- Ouka Lele
- Olafur Eliasson
- Sandra Gamarra
- Jaume Plensa
- Ugo Rondinone
- Aurelia Muñoz
- Carlo Scarpa
- Ornaghi & Prestinari
- Turi Simeti
- Claudio Parmiggiani
- Navid Nuur
- Stefan Vogel
- Helga de Alvear
- Juana de Aizpuro
- Soledad Lorenzo
- Oliva Arauna
- Elba Benitez
- Nieves Fernández
- Elvira González
- Fernando Mignoni
- Lia Rumma
- Ida Pisani
- Federica Lonati
- Jesús Rafael Soto
Institutions
- Arco Madrid
- Ifema
- Green Art
- Leandro Navarro
- Mayoral
- Thaddaeus Ropac
- Lelong
- Perrotin
- Chantal Crousel
- Esther Schipper
- Krinzinger
- Mira Madrid
- Alarcón Criado
- P420
- Bonbon
- Gilda Lavia
- Monitor
- Ada
- Kali
- Espinavessa
- RocioSantaCruz
- Parra & Romero
- Jahn und Jahn
- Prometeo Gallery
- National Consortium of Contemporary Art Galleries
- Artribune
- ARCOmadrid
- IFEMA
- Elvira González
- ARCO Art Fair
- Very Private Gallery
Locations
- Madrid
- Spain
- Dubai
- United Arab Emirates
- Barcelona
- Rome
- Italy
- Milan
- Lucerne
- Switzerland
- Catalonia
- Portugal
- South America
- Germany
- France