© Nit de l'Art
Nit de l'Art in Palma
Countdown to annual celebrations this Saturday
Marking the start of the art season in Palma de Mallorca, the Nit de l'Art (Night of Art) is a spectacle not to be missed if you are on the island this week. The city's galleries will open their doors for one night only while the old town turns into a huge open-air stage hosting improvised performances and live music.
This annual celebration has the spirit and excitement of a traditional Spanish fiesta along with the buzz and celebration of a gallery opening. On this one evening, the historic quarter of Palma is taken over by the art world and thousands of visitors, art lovers and locals will explore the streets and alleyways and enjoy the works of art that encompass all media including exhibitions, performances and installations.
Originally a small event that started in 1997 as a collaboration between a handful of galleries and enthusiasts, this special evening has grown in size and reputation and is now regarded as one of the highlights of the social calendar on the island.
Be prepared for the sheer numbers of people in the street and the fact that it may take you a while to get to those places that you want to visit. You may also get distracted along the way as blank spaces are turned into different worlds for you to touch, feel and experience. From rooftop performances to decorated balconies and light shows on the historical façade of buildings, even fountains and parking spaces will be transformed to showcase new work. Not all of the venues will be on the programme though, as many smaller ones will put on something special just for the evening to be part of the festivities.
The programme this year features an impressive selection of national and international artists. There are shows by renowned artists like Marina Abramovic's 'The Freeing Series' exhibition at Galería Horrach Moyá and A.R. Penck's retrospective at Kewenig Palma, which will show some of his drawings and paintings made between the 1960s and 2013. Current international artists will be represented by the Iranian video artist Samira Eskandafar at La Caja Blanca or the Mexican Carlos Amorales with his installation at Pelaires Centre Cultural Contemporani. Local Mallorcan artist will also have a privileged presence at this year's Nit de l'Art with a collective show at Centro Cultural Sa Nostra featuring works by Arantxa Boyero, Carles Congost, Patricia Esquivias or Neus Marroig among others.
More inspiration...
Numerous shops, bars and restaurants will be converted for the night and offer a selection of art, wine, food and good music. So take advantage of this unique occasion and head to the centre of Palma on Saturday 23rd from 19:00. Book your table at one of the city's central restaurants to make a night out of it.
