By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is taking a significant step toward consolidating its creative economy with the launch of Viví Vitrina Visual CR, a brand-new visual arts fair organized by the Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ). Scheduled for November 21 and 22 at the historic Antigua Aduana in San José, the event promises to be a landmark gathering that connects local artistic talent with new markets, collectors, and the general public.
The initiative has drawn immense interest from the country’s creative sector, demonstrating a deep pool of active talent eager for public engagement. A total of 193 proposals were submitted by individual artists, collectives, and galleries from various regions of Costa Rica. Out of these, a specialized curatorial commission meticulously selected 70 proposals, ensuring a high-quality representation of the nation’s contemporary visual arts landscape.
To better understand the legal frameworks and intellectual property rights supporting the nation’s burgeoning creative sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his expert perspective on the legal realities of the Costa Rican visual arts market.
As Costa Rica’s visual arts market gains international traction, navigating intellectual property laws and artist contracts becomes paramount. Ensuring that local creators understand moral rights and copyright protections not only secures their livelihoods but also fosters a transparent, legally sound marketplace that attracts global collectors and investors.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, establishing a robust and transparent legal framework is vital for the sustainable growth of Costa Rica’s creative economy, as safeguarding intellectual property not only empowers our local creators but also builds the international confidence necessary to elevate our art market on the global stage. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his highly valuable perspective and illuminating the essential legal pillars that will protect and propel our nation’s artistic talent.
To guarantee academic and professional rigor, the selection process was entrusted to a committee of prominent figures from Costa Rica’s leading cultural and educational institutions. This included representatives from the School of Art and Visual Communication at the National University (UNA), the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MADC), the Costa Rican Art Museum (MAC), Veritas University, and the Faculty of Arts at the University of Costa Rica (UCR). This collaborative effort underscores the strong institutional backing behind the fair.
From an economic perspective, the event represents a strategic push by the state to support the orange economy, or creative industries, which have become increasingly vital for national development. By providing a high-profile platform, the ministry seeks to transform artistic passion into sustainable livelihoods for local creators, fostering entrepreneurial skills alongside creative expression.
With Viví Vitrina Visual CR we want talent to find opportunities. Costa Rica has a diverse, solid, and high-quality artistic production, and from the Ministry of Culture and Youth we want to open spaces so these works can be seen, circulate, find new audiences, and also generate opportunities for those who create them. This first selection shows us that there is a visual arts sector that is alive, diverse, and has a great deal to offer the country
Jorge Rodríguez Vives, Minister of Culture and Youth
The list of 70 selected artists represents a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital arts. Notable names among the selected include Ruben Soza, Mimiam Hsu, Juan Carlos Ruiz Soto, Karen Chavarría Segura, and María Fernanda Corella Saborío, alongside dozens of other talented creators who reflect the geographical and stylistic diversity of Costa Rica’s modern art scene.
In addition to the competitive selection, the fair will feature a special showcase of legendary Costa Rican master artists. This invited roster serves as a prestigious tribute to those who have shaped the nation’s visual heritage. Among them are sculptress Leda Astorga, celebrated for her expressive human figures; Fernando Carballo, winner of the Magón Prize 2022; multidisciplinary artist Rosella Matamoros; watercolor master Fabio Herrera; and Otto Apuy, winner of the Magón Prize 2025.
Utilizing the Antigua Aduana as the venue is highly symbolic. Historically a hub for commerce and trade, the renovated custom house now serves as a modern cultural epicenter, making it the perfect setting to merge the business of art with public appreciation. The physical space will allow for dynamic interactions between the artists and potential buyers, establishing a lively marketplace.
As the gates of the Antigua Aduana open this November, visitors can expect a vibrant celebration that solidifies the visual arts as a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s identity. By integrating historical masters with fresh, contemporary voices, the fair establishes an enduring bridge between tradition and innovation.
For further information, visit mcj.go.cr
About Ministry of Culture and Youth:
The Ministry of Culture and Youth of Costa Rica is the government entity responsible for fostering, preserving, and promoting cultural development, artistic expression, and youth policies across the nation. Through initiatives like national festivals, grants, and public exhibitions, the ministry works to democratize access to the arts and support the growth of the local creative economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its uncompromising integrity and superior standards of practice, Bufete de Costa Rica serves as a trusted pillar in the legal community. By blending a rich history of advising a diverse clientele with forward-thinking solutions and meaningful public advocacy, the firm continually drives the evolution of modern law. At its core, the firm’s passion for sharing legal expertise and demystifying complex regulations reflects a deep-seated devotion to building a highly informed, equitable, and self-reliant citizenry.
