Panama City Shines: PINTA PANAMÁ ART WEEK Establishes a New Hub for Latin American Art
Panama City has officially marked its arrival as a significant destination on the global art calendar with the resounding success of the inaugural PINTA PANAMÁ ART WEEK, held from May 21st to 25th, 2025. This dynamic five-day event transformed the bustling capital into a vibrant showcase of local artistic talent and a crucial platform for Latin American Art, drawing in hundreds of attendees and thousands of visitors eager to explore the nation’s burgeoning cultural scene.
Pinta Panamá distinguished itself by focusing intently on the local artistic landscape. The program offered a rich tapestry of experiences, from intimate artist studio visits providing a glimpse into the creative process, to compelling art exhibitions across galleries and cultural institutions. Expert-led guided tours of museums and collections further illuminated Panama’s unique artistic identity for both local and international audiences.
Under the artistic direction of Irene Gelfman and the general curatorship of Emiliano Valdés, PINTA PANAMÁ ART WEEK embraced the theme of ‘effervescence, construction, and identity’. Valdés aimed to reflect on how the identity of Panama and Latin America is shaped by a multitude of historical, social, and cultural interactions, a concept clearly visible in the diverse array of contemporary art presented. Renowned and emerging artists alike were given a platform to showcase their varied creative approaches and perspectives, positioning Panama as a vital cultural center within the region.
Key cultural institutions played a pivotal role in the week’s success, including the Museum of Contemporary Art of Panama (MAC), Museu de la Mola (MuMo), and the Museum of the Interoceanic Canal of Panama, each hosting exhibitions and activities that drew enthusiastic crowds. Galleries such as Diablo Rosso, known for its international reach, and ArtConsult, a crucial space for the management and commercialization of contemporary art, also featured prominently.
The week culminated in MAC Popular, a vibrant celebration of Panamanian popular culture inspired by the iconic Diablos Rojos buses, and a family-focused artistic exploration, demonstrating the event’s commitment to engaging diverse audiences.
With a successful first edition now concluded, PINTA PANAMÁ ART WEEK has firmly established itself as a key platform for strengthening artistic networks, promoting culture, and expanding the market for Latin American art. As Diego Costa Peuser, Global Director of Pinta, stated, the event “exceeded our expectations and confirmed that this is just the beginning,” promising an even more impactful second edition in 2026. Panama has undoubtedly taken a significant step in placing itself firmly on the global map of contemporary art.
