King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia Inaugurate 45th Edition of ARCO Contemporary Art Fair

This year's edition of the International Contemporary Art Fair ARCO in Madrid was inaugurated by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia in an atmosphere blending artistic prestige with political and economic tensions. The royal couple visited numerous stands, including exhibitions by leading Spanish newspapers which presented unique artistic projects. Particular attention was drawn to the stand of the newspaper "El País," where artist Miquel Barceló presented old newspapers transformed into works of art, which garnered significant interest from the monarchs. Queen Letizia, known for bold styles at this event, this time opted for classic elegance, appearing in a green tweed dress she had previously worn during Spain's National Day celebrations. The royal couple's visit to the fair was not without political incidents. Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun was greeted with boos by gathered gallery owners. Industry representatives are demanding a reduction in the VAT rate on artworks, arguing that although their activity is perceived as luxurious, many institutions struggle with financial problems. Parallel to the cultural events, King Felipe VI delivered an important speech on the geopolitical situation. He appealed for restraint in the use of force in the Persian Gulf region and emphasized the need to build stronger strategic sovereignty for the European Union in the face of global challenges. The ARCO fair (Arco Madrid), founded in 1982, is one of the most important events on the contemporary art market in Europe, serving as a key bridge between the European and Latin American markets.The inauguration day of the fair was also an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations. At the Royal Palace, the royal couple received the new Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg, Guillaume and Stéphanie, who are in Spain on an introductory visit. Media noted exceptional rapport between the two couples, and fashion commentators highlighted the stylistic coordination of Queen Letizia and Duchess Stéphanie, who both chose outfits in shades of green. Beyond the official sphere, Spain also grappled with severe weather phenomena – the Regina windstorm led to the fall of a historic, over 200-year-old dragon tree in Los Realejos on Tenerife, considered an irreparable loss for the natural heritage of the Canary Islands. „Pido contención en el uso de la fuerza en el Golfo y apelo a una Europa con mayor soberanía estratégica.” (I call for restraint in the use of force in the Gulf and appeal for a Europe with greater strategic sovereignty.) — Felipe VI