The first edition of Art Cologne Palma Mallorca will take place from 9 to 12 April at the Palau de Congressos de Palma, an event that is born with the ambition of placing the island on the international contemporary art circuit. The city thus becomes the second venue of Art Cologne, considered one of the oldest and most prestigious contemporary art fairs in the world, organised by Koelnmesse.

This first edition will bring together 88 galleries from 20 countries, confirming Mallorca’s ability to attract cultural projects of global reach and consolidate its position as a leading destination in the artistic sphere.

Art Cologne Palma Mallorca

Palma Mayor Jaime Martínez; President of the Government of the Balearic Islands Margalida Prohens; Koelnmesse CEO Gerald Böse; and President of the Consell de Mallorca Llorenç Galmés during the presentation of Art Cologne Palma Mallorca. Photos: CAIB.

Art Cologne Palma Mallorca is the result of collaboration between the Government of the Balearic Islands, the Consell de Mallorca and Palma City Council. The project already had its first international presentation at the ITB in Berlin, with the aim of attracting the European market. The three institutions have identified contemporary art as a strategic axis for moving towards a more diversified tourism model, with greater weight given to cultural tourism and activity outside the high season.

The fair will open its doors from 9 to 12 April, with free admission for residents on 12 April. The project also includes the participation of the gallery association Art Palma Contemporani.

Art Cologne Palma Mallorca, at the forefront of the global art circuit

During the event, the President of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Margalida Prohens, said that the fair “places the Balearic Islands at the forefront of the global art circuit”, while also highlighting the Government’s commitment to the culture-tourism link. For his part, the Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez, stated that “the organisation of Art Cologne Palma Mallorca represents another step along the path towards the excellence that our city and the island are pursuing”. In the same vein, Llorenç Galmés, president of the Consell de Mallorca, underlined that “the fair will increase the international visibility of Mallorca’s culture and contribute to economic and tourism dynamism”.

For his part, Koelnmesse CEO Gerald Böse, welcomed the choice of Palma as the new venue for Art Cologne and highlighted that “the firm and joint commitment of the public institutions and the local art scene has made this event possible in one of the most important cultural centres in the Mediterranean”.