On the occasion of the 45th ARCOmadrid, the Italian Cultural Institute in Madrid inaugurates the 1st Italian Contemporary Art Week, turning the Abrantes Palace into a hub of international experimentation. The exhibition programme involves the entire structure, beginning with the exterior façade, which is “invaded” by the iconic colourful frogs of the Cracking Art movement, a metaphor for the lively current artistic debate. Inside, the courtyard hosts site-specific murals by Marco Tamburro dedicated to the theme of freedom, while the BLAU exhibition by Elia Festa explores the essentiality of forms through photographic and technological research linked to the fluid element.
The initiative, presented by Ambassador Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi and Director Elena Fontanella, aims to strengthen the cultural bonds between Italy and Spain, promoting innovation in our creative industry. The opening on March 6 will be followed by a technical meeting on the new reform of the Italian art market, which envisages lowering VAT to 5% and simplifying regulations to facilitate the circulation of works. Speakers at the event will include Federico Mollicone, President of the Culture Committee, and collector Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, emphasizing the government’s commitment to making the Italian art system more competitive at global level.
“Art is inextricably linked to the deepest essence and image of Italy around the world. Contemporary art is a central component of our artistic heritage. Promoting it through network initiatives strengthens Italy’s cultural identity and its deep ties with Spain. We thus highlight our ability for innovation and experimentation and confirm culture as one of the most important and pervasive pillars of growth diplomacy,” said Italian Ambassador to Spain Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi.
The exhibitions will be open to the public from March 7, Tuesday to Saturday, from 12:00 to 20:00.
