Art
Discover ARCOlisboa 2026: from the Portuguese art scene to global conversations on AI and authenticity, here is what to expect at Lisbon's top art fair.
Updated 01:03 am EDT, May 20, 2026
Published 12:56 am EDT, May 20, 2026
Photo Courtesy: © IFEMA MADRID
Discover ARCOlisboa 2026: from the Portuguese art scene to global conversations on AI and authenticity, here is what to expect at Lisbon's top art fair.
Updated 01:03 am EDT, May 20, 2026
Published 12:56 am EDT, May 20, 2026
Photo Courtesy: © IFEMA MADRID
This year marks the 9th edition of ARCOlisboa, the International Contemporary Art Fair coordinated by IFEMA Madrid and the Lisbon City Council, happening May 28-31, 2026. The fair will once again be hosted at the historic Cordoaria Nacional in Belem, Lisbon district, and as the city gears up for the international art fair, this year holds a special place in time.
The city technically celebrates its 10th year, the 9th edition is in light of the interruption due to the pandemic from 2020 to 2021. However, the strong partnership between IFEMA Madrid and Lisbon City Council has significantly enhanced the art fair, advancing its reach, positioning Lisbon, Portugal, on the international art scene.
With 84 galleries from 18 countries participating, Portugal takes the lead in its presence within the fair, having over 30 galleries in the lineup. The General Program will comprise 61 galleries in tandem with the Opening Lisboa section, bringing together 17 galleries respectfully curated by Soifa Lanusse and Diogo Pinto. This new section aims to promote new artist language and space, emphasizing the Archipelago of Art Histories (directed by Cosmin Costinas), which will explore artists who specialize in inherited practices, sharing of knowledge, and trace contemporary lineages through 6 specific projects.
ARCOlisboa will continue its customary initiatives, with awarding several prizes to emerging artists, galleries, and acquisitions, sponsored by Millennium bcp Foundation Prize for Best Stand, the Opening Lisboa Prize, the IV Vieira de Almeida Foundation Acquisition Prize, among other foundations. They will also hold Millennium Art Talks, sponsored by Millennium Foundation and Lisboa Cultura, covering various topics such as collecting, benefactions, and the context behind curated sections, in parallel with other themes.
As the fair draws near, anticipation will accumulate around what definitive narratives each gallery and section is challenging. Presently, contemporary art faces many hurdles in light of the digital era. But what will be interesting to observe is how these international galleries, especially from the Portuguese perspective, visually navigate the deep economic volatility, AI authenticity crises, and geopolitical tensions.
Conversely, as we see a trend where galleries and collections are shying away from the shock value and focus on more emotionally grounded art, could we witness a resurgence of going back to basics or methodical adaptation to technology? Whichever avenue presents itself during ARCOlisboa, emerging and established artists alike will share the commonality of being the authentic vehicle within the fair, and we’re eager to see this dynamic unfold.
If you find yourself in the area, I highly recommend visiting. This international art fair aims to provoke current global conversations through thoughtful and strategic storytelling viewed from the contemporary lens.
With a Bachelor’s in Studio Art from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s from the Miami International University of Art & Design—enhanced by studies in Italy—Michelle has expanded into an international artist, founded Arthesive.com, and continues creating, exhibiting, mentoring, and contributing to the global art community.
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