Fernando Francés on 20 Years of CAC Málaga: From Zero to Art Hub

In an interview with Artribune, Fernando Francés, director of CAC Málaga (Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga), reflects on the institution's two-decade trajectory. Since winning a public tender in 2002, the center has grown from a bold project in a city with scant artistic activity into a cornerstone of Málaga's cultural transformation. The first year alone drew 113,000 visitors. Francés outlines a three-pronged programming strategy: world-renowned artists (Richter, Bourgeois, Ai Weiwei, Nauman), conceptually driven figures (Tracey Emin, Rachel Whiteread), and local talents (Javier Calleja, Pilar Albarracín) with over thirty monographic shows. The CAC emphasizes international painting, a niche in which Francés claims specialization. Málaga's evolution includes a restored historic center, improved transport (high-speed rail, airport expansion), an open port with recreational areas, and its status as Spain's leading smart city. Tourism now accounts for 38% of visits, but the museum prioritizes local community engagement. Future ambitions include making Málaga a music city and establishing an artistic production center at La Cárcel.