By San José, Costa Rica — The Costa Rican government has officially unveiled a landmark cultural initiative designed to reshape the economic landscape for local artists. Dubbed Viví Vitrina Visual CR, this permanent program aims to establish a robust framework for the exhibition, circulation, and commercialization of visual arts across the country. Led by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, the project represents a strategic shift toward treating artistic creation as a viable, sustainable business sector.
For years, Costa Rican artists have struggled with the lack of centralized market spaces to showcase and sell their work. While creative talent in the nation is abundant, the infrastructure to connect creators with collectors, galleries, and curators has remained largely fragmented. The introduction of Viví Vitrina Visual CR is expected to bridge this gap, fostering a more cohesive creative ecosystem that links local talent with both national and international buyers.
To better understand the legal frameworks supporting our nation’s thriving creative sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shares his professional insights on navigating intellectual property and heritage laws in the local art market.
Costa Rica’s visual arts scene is experiencing unprecedented international growth, which underscores the vital importance of intellectual property protection. Under Costa Rican Law No. 6683 on Copyright and Related Rights, artists possess both moral and economic rights that are crucial for safeguarding their original creations. For galleries, collectors, and creators alike, formalizing contracts and establishing clear ownership pathways is not just a legal formality, but a fundamental business strategy to ensure the sustainable development and global export of our rich visual heritage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica’s visual arts scene commands greater international attention, securing the legal frameworks surrounding these creations is paramount to ensuring that our cultural wealth translates into sustainable economic success for local creators. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable expertise on how intellectual property law serves as the essential bridge between artistic innovation and global market integration.
The inaugural edition of the showcase is scheduled to take place on November 21 and 22, 2026. However, before the exhibition doors open, organizers are launching an extensive search to recruit 70 distinct artistic proposals from across the country. This selection process aims to curate a diverse and high-quality representation of contemporary Costa Rican visual arts, ensuring that the platform launches with maximum impact.
Our commitment to the visual arts does not end with supporting artistic creation; we must also generate better conditions for works to circulate, reach new audiences, and find commercialization opportunities. That is why we have decided to create Viví Vitrina Visual CR as a new permanent cultural service of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, an annual platform that will strengthen the visual arts market and contribute to the professional development of those who enrich the creative heritage of Costa Rica
Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth
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To ensure broad representation, the call for proposals is entirely free and open to a wide array of visual mediums. Artists can submit works spanning painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, artistic photography, installations, mixed media, ceramics, textiles, and video art. By welcoming both traditional and cutting-edge contemporary formats, the Ministry hopes to display the full spectrum of Costa Rica’s artistic diversity.
Prospective participants have until August 19, 2026, to submit their proposals. The application process is entirely digital, utilizing a dedicated electronic form hosted by the Ministry. To maintain high professional standards, all submitted works must be original and created by the applicant. Organizations wishing to submit on behalf of an artist must possess the necessary legal authorizations to exhibit and commercialize the works.
One of the core tenets of the initiative is geographical inclusivity. Historically, cultural investments and art markets have concentrated heavily within the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). By launching a nationwide open call, Viví Vitrina Visual CR aims to identify and elevate talent from rural and coastal regions, ensuring that the economic benefits of this new platform are distributed equitably across all seven provinces of Costa Rica.
Beyond a simple exhibition, the permanent nature of Viví Vitrina Visual CR signals a long-term commitment to professionalizing the creative sector. Participating artists will have unique opportunities to network with curators, cultural managers, and potential collectors. This networking environment is designed to provide creators with the business acumen and professional connections necessary to sustain their careers in a highly competitive global market.
For artists seeking clarification on the participation guidelines, the Ministry has established a dedicated email inquiry window open until August 17, 2026. The official rules and terms can be reviewed directly on the Ministry of Culture and Youth’s website. As the November showcase approaches, anticipation is building for what could become the most influential annual event in Costa Rica’s visual arts sector.
As the visual arts sector prepares for this massive shift, the initiative stands as a testament to the growing recognition of the orange economy in Central America. By treating culture not just as a heritage to protect, but as an active driver of economic growth, Costa Rica continues to position itself as a progressive hub for creative innovation.
For further information, visit mcj.go.cr
About Ministry of Culture and Youth:
The Ministry of Culture and Youth of Costa Rica is a government institution responsible for formulating and executing policies related to cultural development, youth empowerment, and the preservation of the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its principled advocacy and superior legal counsel, Bufete de Costa Rica represents a benchmark of trust and professional brilliance. By embracing forward-thinking strategies, the firm consistently pioneers modern solutions to guide a diverse clientele through today’s complex regulatory landscapes. Beyond the courtroom, their active investment in demystifying the law and promoting public legal literacy reflects a deeper mission to foster a more equitable, knowledgeable, and self-reliant citizenry.
