As Bogotá prepares to welcome the world to ARTBO, the city’s most prestigious art event, the fair’s 20th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on its remarkable evolution and its role in positioning the Colombian capital as a key player in the global art scene. ARTBO, the Bogotá International Art Fair, will take place from September 26 to 29, 2024, at the Ágora Convention Center, a fitting venue for this milestone edition. Since its founding in 2004, ARTBO has grown into one of Latin America’s most important art fairs, providing a platform for emerging and established artists alike.
ARTBO’s success over the past two decades is no small accomplishment, especially given Colombia’s socio-political complexities and economic challenges. Navigating through times of expansion and contraction with the Covid-19 pandemic, ARTBO has been a resilient force in the country’s cultural landscape. Organized by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (CCB), under the leadership of María Paz Gaviria, the fair has continually expanded its reach, both domestically and internationally. Gaviria’s commitment has not only nurtured local talent but also connected Colombian artists with global opportunities, further solidifying ARTBO’s reputation as a vital cultural event in Latin America.
Central to ARTBO’s mission is fostering new talent, and the “Artecámara” section has been a crucial incubator for young artists from across Colombia. This year, 30 emerging artists from cities such as Pereira, Barranquilla, Bogotá, and Popayán will showcase their work. The showcase of emerging artists is curated by Ximena Gamba of the National Library of Colombia (Biblioteca Nacional). These artists explore themes related to environmental conservation, political unrest, and social dichotamies under the title: “Una Moneda Al Aire”. Over the years, many artists who started at Artecámara have gone on to achieve international recognition, underscoring ARTBO’s role in shaping Colombia’s artistic future.
Tribute to David Manzur
In a special tribute, the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce will honor David Manzur, celebrating his 95 years of life and over 70 years of contribution to Colombian art. This homage will materialize through the exhibition of his most recent works, highlighting the evolution and lasting impact of his artistic journey. Manzur’s mystical use of color and meticulous technique have enabled him to blend traditional art with modernist painting, offering viewers diverse poetic possibilities. His works will be showcased on the fair’s first floor, in a dedicated space where visitors can immerse themselves in his artistic legacy. This tribute not only recognizes Manzur’s invaluable contribution to Colombian culture but also seeks to inspire future generations through his example and artistry.
After relocating to the Ágora Convention Center in 2023, ARTBO found a venue that matches its scale and ambition. The Ágora’s sleek, modern design enhances the visitor experience, with its vertical layout allowing for smooth navigation through the fair’s various sections. ARTBO’s home with five floors of exhibition space provides a more organized and intimate atmosphere compared to its previous location at Corferias, which often felt overwhelming due to its size. Visitors to this year’s edition can expect a more fluid journey through the numerous galleries, exhibitions, and talks with the largest gathering of represented artists – more than 350 – in one commercial space.
The structure of the fair remains consistent with its hallmark sections: “Principal,” featuring curated works from national and international galleries; “Projects,” which highlights individual artists and their experimental works; “Referents,” a section dedicated to exploring important historical movements in Latin American art; and “Encounters,” a space for thought-provoking dialogues and panel discussions. These sections ensure that ARTBO remains more than just a commercial marketplace; it is a space for intellectual engagement and cultural exchange.
ARTBO 2024 promises a rich and diverse experience with its impressive lineup of 40 galleries from 16 cities worldwide, 22 cultural institutions, and 59 editorial houses featured in the “Artist’s Book” – Libro de Artista – section. Visitors can explore the works of 350 artists spread across five floors of exhibition space, curated by a team of six distinguished curators. With ten sections and seventy invited guests participating in conversations and encounters, the fair continues to bridge the local art community with global art discourse.
The fair will present installations by artists in the “SITIO” section, including stunning works from Camilo Restrepo (Galería La Cometa, Bogotá), Paulo Licona (Galería SGR, Bogotá), and Linda Pongutá (Galería Espacio Continuo, Bogotá), among others. This curated selection illustrates ARTBO’s commitment to presenting a multifaceted view of large-scale contemporary art across Latin America.
National Galleries:
- Adrián Ibáñez Gallery
- Beatriz Esguerra Arte
- Casa Hoffmann
- Casa Zirio
- Casas Riegner
- Doce Cero Cero – 12:00
- Espacio Continuo
- Espacio El Dorado
- Galería El Museo
- Galería Elvira Moreno
- Galería La Cometa
- Galería Sextante
- Instituto de Visión
- La Balsa Arte
- LGM Galería
- Mmaison Galería
- Montenegro Art Projects – MAP
- Mor Charpentier
- Nueveochenta
- Otros 360°Policroma (Medellín)
- Salón Comunal
- SGR Galería
- Sketch
International Galleries:
- AM Gallery (Brazil)
- Aninat Gallery (Chile)
- Central Galeria (Brazil)
- Henrique Faria New York (United States)
- Hutchinson Modern & Contemporary (United States)
- Klemm’s (Germany)
- Leon Tovar Gallery (United States)
- Lucy García Gallery (Dominican Republic)
- NG Art Gallery (Panama)
- Nordés (Spain)
- RoFa Projects (United States)
- Rolf Art (Argentina)
- Ruth Benzacar (Argentina)
- Vermelho (Brazil)
- 193 Gallery (France)
Beyond its artistic contributions, ARTBO has had a significant economic impact on Bogotá and Colombia at large. The fair has played a vital role in bolstering the Cultural and Creative Industries, sectors that now contribute more than 3.3% to the national GDP. According to Ovidio Claros Polanco, President of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, “The 20th anniversary of ARTBO is not just a celebration of art, but of how the fair has helped position Bogotá as a hub for the visual arts, driving professionalization and growth in the region’s art scene.”
For director María Paz Gaviria, ARTBO transcends its role as a commercial space. “ARTBO has become a meeting point for art professionals, artists, and the general public. It allows visitors to engage with internationally recognized art while also discovering emerging talent from Colombia and beyond,” she explained in a recent interview. Indeed, the fair has become a vital gathering for art collectors, curators, and critics, and its influence continues to grow both regionally and globally.
A Cultural Milestone
As ARTBO celebrates two decades of success, it stands as a symbol of innovation and resilience in the art world. The fair has not only enhanced Bogotá’s cultural prestige but also underscored the transformative power of art in shaping society. By promoting dialogue, diversity, and creativity, ARTBO has made a lasting contribution to Colombia’s cultural identity and its place within the global art community.
The 2024 edition promises to be another exciting chapter in ARTBO’s rich history. With its thoughtfully curated sections, international representation, and dynamic programming, the fair will once again draw the attention of the art world to Bogotá. As the city prepares to host thousands of visitors, ARTBO continues to solidify its status as a major player on the international cultural stage, making Bogotá an essential destination for art lovers and professionals alike.
Public Opening:
- September 26-28, 2024: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- September 29, 2024: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- General Admission: $40,000 COP
As ARTBO commemorates 20 editions, the fair reaffirms its position as a beacon of cultural exchange, artistic exploration, and economic development for Bogotá and greater metropolitan region.
