In Uruguay, a country often overlooked as an art hub, a revolution has been taking place. Laura Bardier, a renowned curator with a decade-long career, had a vision to create something new - an art market from scratch. She started by understanding what had come before, conducting research on the successes and failures of previous fairs, and engaging with local artists, galleries, and collectors.
Bardier's goal was to build an economically, socially, and environmentally viable ecosystem that would support local artists and foster a sense of community. She launched ESTE ARTE in Punta del Este, Uruguay, which has evolved into a significant player in the region's art world. The fair has created infrastructure for professionalization, with awards and initiatives designed to encourage collecting and patronage.
ESTE ARTE has become "international with local roots," with more domestic galleries and independent spaces emerging over time. Bardier prioritizes international galleries that have meaningful connections to the region, fostering dialogue between curators and collectors on equal terms. The fair's success is evident in its growing reputation, attracting three times as many applications as it can accommodate.
Bardier's achievement goes beyond launching an art fair; she has helped build a market and broader ecosystem. Her ambition now focuses on refinement, raising standards every year to maintain quality over quantity. With ESTE ARTE's impact visible in the country's art scene, its founder's vision for creating a thriving local art market is finally starting to materialize.
ESTE ARTE has proven that even in a relatively overlooked region, an innovative and inclusive approach can lead to significant growth. By providing opportunities for local artists and engaging with international curators and collectors, Bardier has created a unique ecosystem that will undoubtedly continue to shape the country's art scene for years to come.
Bardier's goal was to build an economically, socially, and environmentally viable ecosystem that would support local artists and foster a sense of community. She launched ESTE ARTE in Punta del Este, Uruguay, which has evolved into a significant player in the region's art world. The fair has created infrastructure for professionalization, with awards and initiatives designed to encourage collecting and patronage.
ESTE ARTE has become "international with local roots," with more domestic galleries and independent spaces emerging over time. Bardier prioritizes international galleries that have meaningful connections to the region, fostering dialogue between curators and collectors on equal terms. The fair's success is evident in its growing reputation, attracting three times as many applications as it can accommodate.
Bardier's achievement goes beyond launching an art fair; she has helped build a market and broader ecosystem. Her ambition now focuses on refinement, raising standards every year to maintain quality over quantity. With ESTE ARTE's impact visible in the country's art scene, its founder's vision for creating a thriving local art market is finally starting to materialize.
ESTE ARTE has proven that even in a relatively overlooked region, an innovative and inclusive approach can lead to significant growth. By providing opportunities for local artists and engaging with international curators and collectors, Bardier has created a unique ecosystem that will undoubtedly continue to shape the country's art scene for years to come.
I gotta say, it's amazing what happens when someone pours their heart & soul into creating something new! Laura Bardier's vision for ESTE ARTE is like a breath of fresh air - it's not just about throwing a fancy art fair together, but actually building an ecosystem that supports local artists & fosters community. 
I mean, who wouldn't want to support more domestic galleries & independent spaces? It's all about giving local talent the chance to shine! 
) - she didn't just want to replicate what was done before, she wanted to create something entirely new and better. And let's be real, her vision for an eco-friendly, socially responsible art market that supports local artists is totally on point!
I'm loving how ESTE ARTE is giving Uruguay's art scene some serious credibility 
! It's awesome to see Laura Bardier pushing boundaries and creating an inclusive space for local artists to thrive. The fact that she's prioritizing quality over quantity is so refreshing - it's clear she's invested in the long game 
. And who wouldn't want a thriving local art market with international connections? 
It's amazing how one person can make such a significant impact on an entire industry. This is exactly what we need more of - innovative thinking and passion projects that elevate our communities 
!
. It's not just about throwing an art fair, she's built a system from scratch with awards, initiatives, and everything 
. I love how she prioritizes local galleries and independent spaces, giving them the same level of attention as international ones 
. And can we talk about how ESTE ARTE has become this super cool blend of international and local? 
It's all about creating a market that's fair, inclusive, and sustainable 
. I'm totally rooting for Laura Bardier and her vision 
.
The fact that it's "international with local roots" is really refreshing, you know? It's all about finding that balance between global connections and supporting local talent 
️ it's so cool that she prioritized international galleries with connections to the region, too - it's not just about global players, but also about giving a platform to those who matter 
, taking bits from the past and creating something entirely new. By listening to local artists, galleries, and collectors, she's built an ecosystem that's all about supporting each other 
.
is so inspiring! I think it's great that she's prioritized quality over quantity and is always looking for ways to refine and improve. It's like she's always sketching out new ideas 
, making sure the whole thing stays on track.
I'm excited to see what the future holds for this innovative fair and its founder Laura Bardier 
ESTE ARTE is definitely a force to be reckoned with now 
. What if she wasn't just some random curator with a vision? What if she was part of something bigger, like a secret plot to boost Uruguay's economy and culture?
. I'm not buying it. There's gotta be some hidden agenda at play here. Maybe Bardier's really just a pawn in a larger game, and we're just seeing the tip of the iceberg 
. The fact that she's now focusing on refinement and quality control could just be code for "we need to keep an eye on this market and make sure it stays under our control" 
.
I'm literally stoked to hear about Laura Bardier's game-changing initiative in Uruguay! She's like a total trailblazer, creating an art market from scratch and making it not just viable but THRIVING 
We need more people like her who care about supporting communities and fostering connections between creatives. And I love how she's pushing for quality over quantity – it's clear she's all about creating a legacy that will outlast the fairs themselves