The most important visual arts fair in Chile returns to GAM with nearly 200 artists who will exhibit their works and interact directly with the public. Among the new features this year are a new space dedicated to the exhibition of sculptures, the launch of the Art Stgo app, the Kids Zone with workshops and games, and a gourmet food space.

Art Stgo is already a tradition and a must-see on the cultural panorama agenda of Santiago, Chile. A unique instance, where artists meet in person to present their work to the public. In this way, those who come to the fair will not only be able to enjoy the exhibition, but will also be able to interact with the creators.

This event has become a dissemination platform for artists, where many begin the professionalization of their careers: "This year we had more than 450 applications from artists, of which 70% were new, that is, they applied for the first time. This speaks of the need for the Art Stgo platform for talents seeking to show their work," comments Rodrigo Latorre, director of the fair and founder of Kraneo, the production company that created the event.

In line with the above, this year 185 artists will exhibit and the renowned curator and gallery owner Nicole Andreu was in charge of selecting the works.

"We are proud to be hosts of Art Stgo, a resident fair of GAM, which we have hosted since its inception, twelve years ago, with the clear intention of expanding the scope of the visual arts. Being witnesses and participants in its growth and transformation fills us with enthusiasm, as it contributes to bringing contemporary art closer," highlights Alejandra Martí Olbrich, executive director of GAM.

The new app: Art Stgo

One of the novelties this year is that the fair will launch the Art Stgo app, which has as its central objective that people can directly contact the artists at all times, not only during the fair, and thus be able to generate a sales bridge for works: "Hopefully the public will be motivated, download it and be able to access this great catalog of visual art, meet new artists, learn from different techniques, buy and give national art," comments Paulina Latorre, cultural director of Art Stgo.

In addition, the app during the event will allow users to have access to a map to be able to precisely tour the entire fair and where they will be able to see where each artist is located and the respective areas of the place.

Gourmet, sculpture and kids area

For her part, Paulina Latorre, cultural manager of the fair, points out: "Considering to improve the experience of all attendees, this year we rethought the layout of Art Stgo, with the aim of improving traffic inside the exhibition, generating a more fluid movement between the stands. At the same time, we created a new space: La Plaza de los Escultores, especially thinking about larger volume works: larger and safer, so that the artists are more comfortable," she adds.

Added to the Sculptors' Plaza is a Kids area in which workshops for children will be held, which can be accessed for free upon registration. The other novelty is a gourmet area, where attendees will be able to access a top-level gastronomic offer.

Art Stgo is a platform created and developed by the production company Kraneo - which turns 20 this year - with the aim of giving visibility to Chilean art. Art Stgo is a project financed by the National Fund for Cultural Development and the Arts, and has the support of Nescafé, Canada Dry, Librería Nacional, Cerveza Loa, Jack Daniels and Licor 43.

Free workshops upon registration

-Sustainable sculptures: for children from 5 to 12 years old in the Playroom (building B, floor 1)
Aug 23 | 11:45 a.m. (registration) and 1 p.m. (registration).

-Me in colors: for children 5 to 12 years in Ludoteca (building B, floor 1)
We will invite participants to create their own self-portraits using colored masses on cardboard plates. Mirrors will be arranged so that they can observe their features and add details to their work. Dictated by: De Tín Marín.
Aug 23 | 3 pm (registration) and 4:30 pm (registration).

-Family workshop life cover: over 15 years old, for 2 people (dad-son/grandmother-grandson/siblings etc). In Citylab (building B, floor 1)
We invite two family members (dad-son/grandmother-grandson/aunt-nephew, siblings, etc.) to build a collage that represents them, combining the things they like to do most, elements that define their story, using different techniques and tools to be able to take a great cover of their life to remember this experience forever. Dictated by: De Tín Marín.
Aug 23 | 11.45 a.m. (sold out)

-Photo Embroidery Workshop: for people over 15 years old, in Citylab (building B, floor 1)
The workshop is divided into 2 parts, the first where you teach how to embroider on paper. In the second part of the workshop, we apply what we learned by creating different compositions using needle and thread in photography. Participants will be able to exchange knowledge and share reflections based on memory and exploration with the technique. Dictated by: Jesu Sáez. Photoembroidery Chile. **The student can arrive with his/her photographs. (No prior experience is necessary.) *The student is asked to arrive with his or her scissors.
Aug 23 and Aug 24 | 1:15 p.m. (sold out)

-Workshop Abstract composition with alcohol ink. Ages 15 and up, in Citylab (building B, floor 1)
In this workshop you will learn to handle alcohol ink on paper, exploring color fades, transparencies, mixtures and unique textures. We will work with different drying and spreading techniques to create abstract compositions generating movement and depth. (No prior experience is necessary.) Taught by: Magdalena Olavarría.
Aug 23 | 2:45 p.m. (sold out)

-Liquitex Workshop: Characters and Creative Scenes. Ages 15 and up, in Citylab (building B, floor 1)
An invitation to create from imagination and color. In this workshop we will explore the use of Liquitex acrylic inks to bring fantastic characters and imaginary settings to life. From free spots, suggested shapes, and a list of inspiring words, each participant will build their own illustrated scene on paper. No previous experience is necessary: just the desire to play, experiment and get carried away by the ink. Dictated by: Anastasia Olavarrieta
Aug 23 | 2:15 p.m. (sold out)

-Artel Workshop: Introduction to acrylic painting. Ages 15 and up, at Citylab (building B, floor 1)
In this workshop you will learn in detail through each stage so that you can start and explore the world of painting acrylic. You will learn from the basics, such as preparing your materials and choosing colors, to specific techniques for creating textures and different painting styles. With practical advice you can improve your technique and express your creativity in a free and fun way. No previous experience is necessary. Dictated by: Martina Olave.
Aug 24 | 11.30 a.m. (sold out)

-Pentel Workshop: Free Botanical Watercolor. Ages 15 and up, in Citylab (building B, floor 1)
This workshop will be focused on connecting with nature through color and shape. We will paint flowers inspired by botany with a freer and more fluid approach, using loose spots, soft layers, light and shadow and some details to accentuate. The idea of the workshop is observation and letting go of your hand. Dictated by: Fabiana Rodriguez
Aug 24 | 3:45 p.m. (sold out)