ARTBO, the worldwide renowned Colombian fair, launches its 12th edition this week in Bogotá, and is open October 27-30.

With 28 cities represented by 74 galleries and an impressive growing number of visitors, ARTBO is now a top destination for the international fair circuit, especially for collector’s interested in Latin American art. Each year, ARTBO brings together an eclectic variety of work by emerging and well-established artists, adding into the mix experimental projects, off-site shows, and non-commercial programs—notably at the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, to celebrate new Colombian talents.

With six different sectors that range in showcasing renowned art masters to engaging the public in interactive workshops, ARTBO demonstrates a strong participation in the Latin American art scene, as well as proving a great contribution to the Colombian local and national economy that has grown over the past decade.

This year, top participating galleries include Casas Riegner, Fernando Pradilla, Elba Benitez, Fortes Vilaca, Vermelho, Ignacio Liprandi, Luisa Strina, and the Instituto de Vision. Sections are organized as follows: Proyectos —curated by Jens Hoffman, will be showcasing works that have been specifically commissioned for the fair by 13 artists involved in the Figuratism movement; Referentes will be paying tribute to great Colombian and Latin American visionaries from the ’70s and ’80s whose works redefined our modern vision of art; Artecamara curated by Medellin-based artist Fernando Escobar whose goal is to provide a platform for 24 young and promising Colombian artists; Sitio which is pushing back the boundaries of the gallery booths by showcasing performance works; and Articularte and Foro whose common point will be to engage with the audience through participatory activities and discussions with artists, curators, and critics.

This edition of ARTBO will once again affirm its educational role, under the values of cultural exchange and diversity, making it a valuable place for scholars, curators, collectors, and art aficionados to engage. As the centerpiece for the Colombian Art Month, the fair serves as a display of Colombia’s culture scene and helps internationalize its art community while contributing to the tourism and cultural sectors.

ARTBO will run from October 27 until October 30, with a special preview on October 26.

Fernando Escobar

A Preview of the 2016 ARTBO, Opening This Week