February 24–28, 2021
Applications to participate in ARCOmadrid 2021 open until September 14. From February 24 to 28, 2021, the world of contemporary art will celebrate ARCOmadrid’s 40th anniversary.
We trust that it will be a time to regroup, reactivate and create new opportunities. We will work, as always, for and alongside galleries and artists. The fair will be flexible, evolving and adapting as necessary to ensure the safety and success of all galleries.
ARCOmadrid 2021, which will undoubtedly be a unique event, will bring together a selection of the top international galleries that have been part of ARCOmadrid’s journey since the beginning to participate in the central section of the fair on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. ARCO 40 Aniversario (ARCO’s 40th Anniversary) will be curated by María Inés Rodríguez, director of Tropical Papers and associate curator of modern and contemporary art at MASP, São Paulo; Sergio Rubira, deputy director of collection and exhibitions at the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (IVAM) and history of art professor at the Complutense University of Madrid; and Francesco Stocchi, curator of modern and contemporary art at Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam, and co-curator of the 34th São Paulo Biennial.
This tribute to ARCO is presented as a complement to the content that will be presented by the galleries selected by the Organising Committee to take part in the General Programme, and the participants in the Opening section, which will be selected by Övül Durmuşoğlu, a Berlin-based critic and independent curator, and Julia Morandeira, a Madrid-based curator and researcher.
The long-established Foro ARCOmadrid (ARCOmadrid Forum) will also be a time to commemorate and share with curators and professionals the evolution of contemporary art and institutions over these four decades.
The exceptional nature of this year’s project means that significant efforts will be made to incentivise acquisitions by the main collections and foundations.
Any gallery interested in taking part can submit a participation request here by September 14. This extension to the usual application period responds to ARCO’s dedication to supporting galleries in resuming their activity, with special facilities and conditions for those wishing to take part.
