International Art Festival a first for Marbella
The 1st Festival International de Arte Marbella, which will showcase the works of 100 artists from 24 countries, is highly representative of the international community in Marbella. The festival, which will be held along the Alameda and Avenida del Mar between the town centre and the beach, will also encompass a diverse programme of music, dance and performance. 1st Festival International Art Marbella (FIAMAR)
19-21 June 2009
Just days before the 1st Festival Internacional de Arte Marbella (FIAMAR) kicks off in Marbella (19-21 June), a press conference was held at the Town Hall in Plaza de Los Naranjos, Marbella to officially announce the event.
Leading the press conference was Marbella Town Hall’s head of Tourism, José Luis Hernández, who Is extremely supportive of the initiative, not only as an important cultural highlight in Marbella, but also as an event which showcases the Town Hall’s efforts to encourage endeavours that promote the integration of the different foreign communities into local society.
The festival, which will showcase the works of 100 artists from 24 countries, is highly representative of the international community in Marbella. The festival, which will be held along the Alameda and Avenida del Mar between the town centre and the beach, will also encompass a diverse programme of music, dance and performance held on two separate stages in the town centre. The artists’ work will be on show in individual white tents and the festival will come alive with street performers, bars and hospitality areas.
Speaking at the press conference were the FIAMAR’s three enthusiastic founders.
The Festival’s President, Caroline Bowley, a British resident in Marbella, highlighted the founders’ desire to create an event that would put Marbella on the map culturally, rather than being perceived as just a sun and sand destination.
American co-founder, and artist, Pixie Glore, explained that she wanted to bring to light the highly prolific artistic community in the area, modelling the festival on events in Miami and Florida, which are not only enjoyable but are also hugely successful for the local economies.
Spanish co-founder, and artist, Eli Martin, stated her role in the event as supporter of all artists’ rights to express themselves and exchange ideas freely – and for the whole community to benefit from their creativity.
The participants in the 1st FIAMAR are truly international with artists from 19 different countries contributing works, including Russia, Finland, Denmark, France, Argentina, Hungary as well as England and Spain. The festival will represent an immense diversity of styles and media with everything from oils and photography to ceramics. A German participant will be creating an installation at the event based on the fitting theme of the environment and the ocean.
The bustling Avenida will be covered with awnings to shield the public from Marbella’s heady summer sun, and a children’s activity tent will be set up to encourage the creativity of the younger art lovers.
The three day event is free entry, but a VIP fund-raising inaugural cocktail party will take place on the evening of 18 June for artists, sponsors and dignitaries with hospitality by Terra Sana and an eclectic programme of entertainment. Tickets can be purchased for 34€ from Van Gestal Gallery, Orange Square, FNAC in C.C. La Cañada and Terra Sana on The Golden Mile and in Marina Banús.
For information on the event, visit Festivaldeartemarbella.com.
