Marbella Loves Art!

Success for 1st Festival International Art Marbella (FIAMAR) 

“Magical” is the word that best describes the ambience at the 1st Festival Internacional de Arte Marbella (FIAMAR) held over four days from June 18-21, and carried off with great success by the founders and organizers Pixie Glore, Caroline Bowley, and Eli Martin.

The festival brought a steady flow of visitors to enjoy browsing – and purchasing - the works of some 100 artists from 24 countries, displaying the most diverse styles and subject matter across every conceivable artistic medium.  Adding to the vibrant display of talent and imagination was a varied programme of musical entertainment with everything from jazz, rock and blues, to dance and opera. Street performers and impromptu bar areas added to the festival buzz, which kept the public entertained from 11am to 11pm.

Launched in style with a VIP fund-raising cocktail party, some 300 guests, among them, artists, sponsors and dignitaries, enjoyed hospitality by Terra Sana and an eclectic programme of entertainment while getting a first glimpse of the spectacular tented village and the artistic treasures within.

Marbella & Culture = Success

José Luis Hernández, head of Tourism for Marbella expressed his extreme satisfaction at the outcome of the event, 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 Town Hall estimated 20,000 people visited the event.  Hernández said, “The FIAM is an absolute winner in terms of contributing to the social and economic revival of the town and this event will be important in consolidating the reputation of Marbella as a tourist destination that also offers culture.”

An  Annual Art Fest

The FIAM festival, which will be held annually in June, featured the works of 24 different nationalities, which is highly representative of the international community in Marbella. The aims of the festival founders were more than fulfilled:
- to create an event that would put Marbella on the map culturally, rather than being perceived as just a sun and sand destination.
- 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.
.- to give artists a platform to express themselves and exchange ideas freely – and for the whole community to benefit from their creativity.
The works of the winner of the Young Artists Competition can be viewed at Houses of Art Gallery at the Marbella Club Hotel from Friday 26 June.

A beautifully produced, 200 page, full colour catalogue featuring all the participating artists and galleries,  sponsored by the Fundación Banús,  can be purchased for 20€ from Galeria Van Gestel in Orange Square, Marbella. For further outlets visit the festival website