If you love contemporary art, be sure to save the weekend of August 28–30. For its 20th edition, Art-o-rama is taking over the Friche la Belle de Mai with 4,000 m² ofexhibition space, more than 60 galleries, and around 100 artists. And just a few minutes’ walk away, a brand-new art venue is also opening its doors. It’s enough to turn the 3rd arrondissement into a veritable art marathon.
4,000 m² and 100 artists for Art-o-rama’s 20th anniversary
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Art-o-rama is clearly pulling out all the stops. The international fair is taking over La Cartonnerie at the Friche la Belle de Mai, with more than 60 galleries and art and design publishers showcasing the work of some 100 artists.
This anniversary edition also adds a few highlights to the program… Notably, a selection tied to the Prix Région Sud in art and design and an “Immaterial Fair” dedicated to digital creation. And if you need a break between discoveries, free screenings and talks are also offered during the fair.
The fair is open to the public on Friday, August 28, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., then on Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is €12, €8 for reduced-rate tickets, or €18 for a two-day pass. And good news for younger visitors: admission is free for those under 18 and for students.
A 2,000 m² venue is opening its doors at the same time
As if 4,000 m² of art weren’t enough, another event is coming to the neighborhood at the same time . OnImpasse Saint-Victorine, Artagon Marseille is inaugurating its new 2, 000 m² venue —designed as a space for creation, production, and connection .
Here, there’s no just looking at the artworks behind glass! The venue is hosting 30 artists, collectives, and cultural project leaders, who have been supported over the past two years. To explore this brand-new space, come by on Saturday, August 29, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.— admission is free or pay-what-you-want. In the evening, the party continues from 7 p.m. to midnight with an artistic program for €5. All proceeds go entirely toward the production costs and the artists’ fees.
The perfect plan: do both on foot
The best part? Both events are in the same arrondissement. Start with Art-o-rama on Friday starting at 4 p.m., or Saturday afternoon, then head over to Artagon and return to La Friche to continue your exploration if you’ve opted for the two-day pass.
Just one piece of advice: set aside plenty of time. With 60 galleries, 100 artists, and 6,000 m² of art spaces to explore, this is definitely not the kind of outing you can squeeze in between two coffee breaks.
