Nit de l'Art celebrates its 30th anniversary on September 19 in Palma, established as the event that marks the start of the cultural season in Mallorca. The event, which began in 1997, has managed to project the Mallorca brand beyond sun and beach tourism.
Palma's Nit de l'Art reaches its thirtieth edition as a cultural reference that transcends the island. On Saturday, September 19, the galleries in the capital will open their doors for a night that brings together professionals, curators, and international collectors.
From Humble Beginnings to Consolidation
The event was born in 1997 with gallery owners like Pep Pinya and Xavier Fiol. Fran Reus, president of Art Palma Contemporani, recalls that the first year saw hardly any public attendance at the galleries, as the proposal was very novel at the time.
The perseverance of the organisers paid off, and within a few years, attendance began to grow. What started timidly has transformed into a massive event that has overcome the initial hesitation many felt about entering a contemporary art gallery.
Reus highlights that Nit de l'Art has become a key element in Mallorca's artistic calendar, a night that marks the beginning of the cultural season on the island.
We did not expect this quality that exists here
External Projection and New Alliances
For Reus, Nit de l'Art is essential for projecting the Mallorca brand beyond sun and beach tourism. Cultural tourism is becoming increasingly important, he states, and the event acts as a showcase for the island's artistic offerings.
A programme of guests featuring international professionals allows them to act as ambassadors for Mallorcan culture. The reaction, according to Reus, is unanimous: visitors are surprised by the artistic quality they find in Palma.
This 30th anniversary arrives with a new image designed by local studios HONDO and HASTALASTANTAS. Additionally, Art Palma Contemporani has welcomed 66 Gallery as a new member, and collaborating spaces such as iGallery, KANT Palma, and galleries from the Part Forana have joined in an effort to decentralise the artistic offerings.
Gallery spaces are open and free, sometimes museums are not
A Celebration Open to All Citizens
Fran Reus encourages all citizens to enjoy the night. Get out, enjoy, and look, he recommends, emphasising that it is a pleasant stroll and a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary art.
Moreover, he reminds that galleries are open and free spaces, something that museums do not always offer. To facilitate access, the organisation provides free guided tours with professionals, available in Catalan, Spanish, and English.
Registrations can be made through the Art Palma Contemporani website. The night also serves as a springboard for new talents, such as students from Fine Arts at ADEMA, who will exhibit at the Barceló Foundation.
The spirit of this 30th anniversary is summed up, in the words of its president, in the enthusiasm and desire to continue for another 30 years. A wish that reflects the solidity of a project that has managed to evolve and establish itself as one of the major cultural events in the country.
Nit de l'Art in Palma takes place on Saturday, September 19, starting at 19:00. Participation is free, and guided tours require prior registration on the Art Palma Contemporani website.
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