Merkarte Navidad: Celebrating Youth Creativity in the Heart of Tenerife

The much-anticipated Merkarte Navidad exhibition has officially opened its doors in Tenerife, showcasing the remarkable creativity of young artists from the region. This vibrant event is set to be a highlight of the festive season, drawing attention to the artistic talents that flourish within the Canary Islands.

Spotlighting Emerging Artists

In a stunning display of artistic talent, the exhibition features an impressive collection of over 1,100 works created by 44 young artists hailing from the island. This event, inaugurated by the President of the Tenerife Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, is celebrated as the largest collective exhibition of youth art ever presented in the Canary Islands. Hosted at the La Recova Art Centre, the exhibition will remain open to the public until January 18, offering free entry to all visitors eager to explore the creativity on display.

The opening ceremony was a testament to the dedication and passion of the participating artists. Dávila expressed her admiration for their hard work and commitment to producing new and innovative pieces that are sure to captivate audiences throughout the exhibition’s run. She underscored the significance of supporting local talent, especially during the festive season, and encouraged attendees to consider purchasing unique, handmade gifts that reflect the exceptional craftsmanship of the island’s artists.

Community Support and Collaboration

During her address, Dávila also acknowledged the vital support from the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council, which generously provided the venue at no cost. This strategic location is anticipated to draw a larger audience this year, enhancing the exhibition’s visibility and impact. The island’s Councillor for Youth and Training, Serafín Mesa, highlighted the exhibition’s longstanding role in promoting young artists, emphasizing that the Cabildo is committed to creating pathways for these emerging talents to enter the job market. By facilitating connections and opportunities for young artists to showcase and sell their work, the exhibition continues to be a crucial platform for artistic growth.

Engaging Activities and Innovative Programming

This year’s Merkarte Navidad introduces several exciting new features designed to enhance visitor engagement and interaction. The program includes a series of creative workshops where participants can delve into various artistic techniques and mediums. Scheduled activities encompass a basket-making workshop utilizing recycled materials, sessions focused on creating handmade magazines, and opportunities to learn diverse crafting skills. These workshops not only provide hands-on experiences but also foster a sense of community among participants.

In addition to the workshops, the exhibition will host an Art Market on select weekends. This market will showcase original designs and crafts from young artists and designers based in Tenerife, offering visitors the chance to purchase unique pieces directly from the creators. A special edition of PechaKucha Night will also be featured as part of the program, providing a platform for discussions with prominent professionals in the cultural sector. This blend of artistic showcase and interactive programming aims to enrich the overall experience for attendees.

The exhibition is open daily from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with the exception of public holidays. This schedule allows ample opportunity for the community to engage with the artwork and support local artists, making it a must-visit destination during the holiday season.

Key points

• The Merkarte Navidad exhibition features over 1,100 artworks from 44 young artists.
• It is the largest youth art exhibition ever held in the Canary Islands.
• The event is open until January 18 at La Recova Art Centre with free entry.
• New programming includes creative workshops and an Art Market showcasing local designs.
• The exhibition aims to support local talent and encourage the purchase of handmade gifts.
• The venue was provided free of charge by the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council.
• Merkarte has been a platform for young artists for over 20 years.