One of the most unlikely areas to find international art galleries might be an industrial estate. But, why not? Industrial estates are full of a mixture of businesses often including other creative organisations, in joinery, metalwork or marble, or kitchen interiors or pehaps web-design, and can provide large high-volume inexpensive spaces, difficult to find or afford in city centres.
Poligono Industrial La Ermita is a thriving and vibrant industrial area on the eastern edge of Marbella, with a multitude of businesses crammed tightly together along narrow streets with car parking at a premium and double-parking being almost normal. In among this bustling industrial area art galleries and design studios have started to appear.
At the end of a cul de sac, a more refined exterior than its neighbours hints at something different. Here is Yusto-Giner, a gallery opened in 2012 by husband and wife Juan Pablo Yusto and Garciela Giner to showcase the work of talented new artists with a rolling programmes of exhibitions and displays..
The current exhition is ‘Eskorte’, the first solo exhibition in Spain of the German painter Rosa Loy, one of the few female members of the New Leipzig School, a movement in contemporary German art that developed after reunification.
Not only does the industrial space provides large high volume spaces for art, but it is also apparently one of the few spaces in Marbella able to show video art productions.
Round the corner is the Poligono Gallery, for which the owners wished to emulate the environment of the 798 Factory in Beijing (an abandoned factory transformed into an area of art studios, galleries and cafes) with a gallery focussing on Asian and Chinese contemporary art,
Nearby is a sculpture workshop and display space for Nimrod who executes sculpures in iron, using traditional forging techniques to create unique textures, shapes and effects. ”These methods permit him to take this brutal metal and transform it into something beautiful, gentle, curvaceous… even soft.”
An unlikely location perhaps, but new arts districts grow up in many different locations where good spaces can be found at affordable rents. In 10 years time, will more galleries have established themselves here to create a creative and artistic quarter in Marbella?
Dear Sir,
We are a specialized company that manufactures handcrafted figurines and are looking to establish our main design and manufacturing facility near Marbella Spain.
We are looking for a facility that is in the range of 1,000 to 2,000 M2 for offices and manufacturing. We do not have heavy machinery nor harmful chemicals other than resins and paints.
I would highly appreciate receiving information and prices on all options.
Thank you ever so much.
Mishaal Fahim
CEO
Hi, Sorry but I can’t help you on property matters. You will need to find an agent in Marbella. Hope you find what you are looking for. All the best, Ian
Dear Ian,
thank you for a very interesting and informative read, which I can now put down to current research I am conducting into community arts practice and provision in Spain.
Having worked for a Community and Participatory Arts organisation in the UK for the past fourteen years, I am seeking employment opportunities within the arts engagement sector in Spain.
My research therefore requires me to ask the question: Are you aware of any potential opportunities, organisations or leads that I could follow up? I would appreciate any advice on the subject.
Best wishes,
Neil Rustill
Training and Learning Manager (Formally of Artlink Hull up to February 2018)
Hi Neill,
I am sorry that I have taken so long to reply. I thought I had done so. I would suggest that you contact some of the public galleries in Spain such as the Contemporary Art Centre in Malaga for advice. It very much depends on where you are hoping to work. Every region has its own organisations. The Basque country has the advantage that it has financial independence from Madrid. In Malaga, the incomers such as the Russian Museum and the Pompidou are enhancing their activities with community programmes – the Russian Museum especially as it is in a location away from the centre.
Are you looking for activities which connect arts and science? If so, there may be opportunities in the universities.
Hope this helps,
Good luck and let me know how you get on.
Ian
Hi Ian,
thank you for your reply to my query, which is very much appreciated.
I will follow up the leads provided and let you know if anything develops as a result.
Best wishes,
Neil.