Gonzalo Cabrera Named New Director of ARCOmadrid
Gonzalo Cabrera will succeed Maribel López as director of ARCOmadrid this October, tasked with steering the fair's 46th edition while strengthening its global competitiveness and collector relations.
ARCOmadrid is entering a new chapter as Gonzalo Cabrera prepares to take over as director this October. He succeeds Maribel López, who is stepping down after seven years to lead the Miró Foundation in Barcelona. This leadership transition comes as the fair prepares for its 46th edition, scheduled for March 3–7, 2026.
Cabrera, who currently serves as the Director of Culture and Education at Ifema, will hold both roles simultaneously. Because the planning for the upcoming fair is already well underway, Cabrera intends to spend his initial time analyzing the art market and consulting with key stakeholders.
His primary goal is to keep the Madrid fair competitive in a shifting global art market. To do this, he plans to focus on three main areas: building stronger relationships with existing collectors, attracting new investors from emerging markets, and positioning the fair as a premier destination for top-tier artists. Ultimately, Cabrera aims to elevate the event’s standards to ensure it remains a leading force among European art fairs.
The 46th edition, titled ARCO2046, will continue to emphasize critical thinking and future-focused themes. Curators João Mourão, Luis Silva, Max Andrews, and Mariana Cánepa Luna will lead sessions exploring how art is evolving. The fair will also continue its support for new talent through the Opening section, led by Rafa Barber Cortell and Bernardo Mosqueira, and will deepen its connection to Latin American art through the Profiles project, curated by José Esparza Chong Cuy.
This appointment signals a broader effort to align the fair’s management with the wider creative industry. Cabrera’s success will depend on his ability to honor ARCO’s original mission—democratizing access to contemporary art—while navigating the demands of an increasingly digital and globalized art world.