Spanish Gallerists Demand VAT Cut on Contemporary Art
In Madrid, the 'IVA Cultural Ya!' manifesto was introduced by a consortium of Spain's national galleries, advocating for a decrease in the 21% VAT on contemporary art. The petition garnered signatures from over 1,500 artists, including notable figures like Miguel Barceló and Luis Gordillo. The gathering at Círculo de Bellas Artes received backing from Manuel Segade and Maribel López. As the sixth-largest art market in the EU, Spain contends with Italy's 5.5% VAT, Portugal's upcoming 6% in January 2026, and lower rates in Germany, France, and Belgium. Gallerist Luis Valverde pointed out that purchasing art is more affordable through foreign dealers. While the Ministry of Finance is against the proposal, Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun supports it, advocating for a revised VAT law in Congress, referencing EU Directive 2022/542.
Key facts
- Spanish gallery consortium launched 'IVA Cultural Ya!' manifesto demanding VAT reduction on contemporary art from 21%.
- Over 1,500 artists signed, including Miguel Barceló, Luis Gordillo, Ignasi Aballí, Sandra Gamarra, Francesc Torres, Teresa Solar Abbad, and Jordi Teixidor.
- Press conference held at Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid with support from Manuel Segade (Museo Reina Sofía) and Maribel López (ARCOmadrid).
- Italy reduced VAT to 5.5%; Portugal will apply 6% from January 2026; Germany 7%, France 5.5%, Belgium 8%.
- Negotiations with Ministry of Culture and Finance stalled after ARCOmadrid 2024.
- Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun reportedly supports the measure; Ministry of Finance opposes.
- Foreign galleries opening branches in Spain apply lower VAT from home countries, creating unfair competition.
- Public museums avoid Spanish galleries due to higher costs, buying art from abroad.
Entities
Artists
- Miguel Barceló
- Luis Gordillo
- Ignasi Aballí
- Sandra Gamarra
- Francesc Torres
- Teresa Solar Abbad
- Jordi Teixidor
- Liliana Porter
- Ana Vidigal
Institutions
- Consorcio Nacional de Galerías de España
- Círculo de Bellas Artes
- Museo Reina Sofía
- ARCOmadrid
- Galería F2
- Espacio Mínimo
- Ministerio de Cultura de España
- Ministerio de Hacienda de España
- Artribune
Locations
- Madrid
- Spain
- Italy
- Portugal
- Germany
- France
- Belgium
- Barcelona
- Valencia
- Lisbon
- European Union