Madrid’s JUSTMAD Art Fair Champions Emerging Talent, Gender Equality
MADRID, Spain (AP) — The 17th edition of the JUSTMAD International Contemporary Art Fair opens in Madrid this week, reaffirming its commitment to showcasing emerging artists and fostering a more inclusive art world. Running from March 5-8 at the Palacio de Neptuno as part of Madrid Art Week, the fair will feature 42 galleries, nearly half of which are new to the event.
JUSTMAD isn’t simply about discovering new names, but about anticipating future trends in the art market, according to fair director Óscar García García. He emphasized the fair’s ongoing support for artists, contributing to a “solid and sustainable artistic fabric.”
This year’s fair will represent 11 countries, including Argentina, Venezuela, the United States, Switzerland, Morocco, and Spain. A significant focus remains on Latin American art through the “JUST Latam” section, curated by María Lightowler, featuring 31 artists from 11 Latin American nations and 10 galleries from six different countries.
A striking aspect of JUSTMAD 2026 is its strong representation of female artists. Women comprise 60% of the artistic participation, with 81 female artists exhibiting their work. Artistic director Laura Darriba described this as reflecting “a structural change in the contemporary art ecosystem,” where female leadership is becoming increasingly central.
Beyond the traditional gallery setting, JUSTMAD is expanding its reach with “JUST OFF,” a new initiative bringing art directly to the streets of Madrid. The Verónica Street and surrounding plazas in the Barrio de las Letras neighborhood will host talks, exhibitions, and performances, inviting public engagement. The project is a collaboration with the Association of Merchants of the Barrio de Las Letras, the Nadine Foundation, and The Global Art Company.
JUSTMAD will also award 12 acquisition prizes from various collections and continue its artist residency program, “JUST Residence Intervención y Archivo,” which has been held in towns throughout the Segovia province. A new residency prize, awarded by ZClub Galería (CDMX), will also be presented this year.
The fair’s dedication to supporting emerging artists and promoting diversity positions it as a key event within the international art calendar.