Supporting Costa Rica’s Contemporary Art Scene: How You Can Make a Difference

Costa Rica is home to an exciting and diverse contemporary art scene that combines centuries-old traditions with fresh, innovative voices. Whether you're a resident or visiting from abroad, there are many meaningful ways you can support Costa Rican artists— emerging and established—who are working to shape the future of art in the country. Here’s how you can engage with and contribute to this exciting and evolving artistic community.

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Explore Costa Rica’s Contemporary Art Scene Through Exhibitions and Events

Katrin Aason's work featured in Más Allá Del Índigo at San José's MADC. November 2024.

One of the most enriching ways to engage with the contemporary art scene in Costa Rica is by attending exhibitions, shows, and cultural events. Whether you’re based in Costa Rica or travelling to different regions, there’s always something new to discover. The country’s contemporary artists are featured in a range of settings, from internationally recognised museums, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, to smaller, more intimate galleries, such as deCERCA in Nosara.

Costa Rica’s cultural calendar is packed with opportunities to experience art first-hand. If you're travelling around Costa Rica, consider making an art gallery or museum a part of your itinerary. It’s not only an enriching way to learn more about the country, but a chance to support local culture by engaging directly with the art. Many exhibitions offer a more immersive experience, giving you the opportunity to speak with curators and artists themselves. Stay informed by subscribing to newsletters that highlight the latest art happenings across Costa Rica. MÍRAME Fine Art, for instance, offers curated weekly updates on exhibitions, artist talks, and gallery events, keeping you connected with this dynamic world no matter where you are.

Engage with the Art Online: Social Media and Digital Platforms

Technology allows you to support Costa Rican artists from anywhere in the world. Social media has become an essential tool for artists to promote their work, connect with collectors, and share their creative process. By following these artists, sharing their posts, and engaging with their content online, you help increase their visibility and introduce their work to a wider audience.

By engaging with Costa Rica's artists on digital platforms like Instagram, you play an important role in amplifying their presence beyond the local art scene. Sharing their work on your own social media channels, commenting on their posts, or simply showing appreciation can be a powerful form of support. This digital intimacy creates connections that transcend geographical borders and provide emerging artists the exposure they need to grow their careers.

Follow Artists and Support Their International Careers

Guillermo Tovar Carazo, Acrylic on canvas

By following an artist’s career over time, you not only support their local exhibitions but also stay informed about their participation in international shows, residencies, and collaborations. When Costa Rican artists make a mark in other art markets—whether in North America, Europe, or elsewhere—your ongoing support can help further their success and open doors for further opportunities.

Keep an eye on the global art calendar. Showing interest in their international endeavours, whether through social media, attending overseas exhibitions, or buying works exhibited abroad, helps establish their global reputation. This continued support strengthens their careers and enables them to make a more significant impact in the global art scene.

Invest in Local Art: From Top Artists to Small Artisans

Supporting local art doesn’t always mean purchasing high-end, expensive pieces; even small contributions can make a huge difference. Whether you choose to buy a painting from an emerging artist or a handcrafted item from a local artisan, your purchase is an investment in the future of Costa Rican art.

In addition to supporting fine art, consider buying products made by Costa Rican craftspeople, whose work spans traditional techniques and contemporary design. While these handmade goods may not always be as expensive as high-end art pieces, they are often equally significant in supporting the local creative economy. The act of purchasing locally made goods ensures that money stays within the community, encouraging sustainable growth and preserving traditional craftsmanship. Remember, Costa Rica is far more than its tourist-oriented shops filled with mass-produced items. By choosing to invest in local art, you ensure that it is Costa Rican-made, authentic, and impactful.

Commission Custom Art: Building Personal Connections with Artists

Juan Carlos Camacho, watercolour paintings

Another powerful way to support Costa Rica's contemporary art scene is by commissioning custom pieces from artists whose works resonates. Many artists thrive on the opportunity to create bespoke work that reflects their clients' personal tastes. By commissioning a piece of art, you support a deeper connection with the artist and encourage the growth of their practice. This one-on-one relationship provides artists with the chance to develop their portfolio while providing you with a truly unique work of art.

Additionally, commissioning custom art allows you to engage directly with artists—learning more about their practices, creative processes, and inspirations. Take the time to understand the artist's background, ask about their materials and methods, and explore their past works. This investment of time and curiosity helps foster a sense of intimacy and respect for their work.

Donating to Art Initiatives and Art Education

Supporting Costa Rican art goes beyond purchasing—it can also involve donating to initiatives that help artists thrive. Art programs and charitable organisations are often the backbone of a sustainable art community, providing young or emerging artists with resources and exposure. Many of Costa Rica's art initiatives depend on donations to fund exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs that help foster the next generation of artists. Donations to these causes not only benefit artists but also ensure that art remains a vital part of Costa Rican culture.

Get to Know the Artists: Studio Visits and Personal Engagement

MÍRAME team and Sofía Ruiz - studio visit

To deepen your connection to Costa Rica's contemporary art scene, take the time to learn more about the artists themselves. Read their CVs, explore their backgrounds, and understand the philosophy behind their work. Many artists welcome studio visits, where you can see their practice firsthand, learn about their inspirations, and hear their personal stories.

MÍRAME Fine Art offers opportunities for studio visits and personal engagement with artists, allowing you to get a closer look at the creative processes that define Costa Rican art. These visits allow you to form a personal connection with the work, creating a stronger bond between the art and the collector. Furthermore, understanding an artist's journey—whether through a conversation, a studio tour, or an exhibition—makes you not just a buyer, but a true supporter of their practice.

Supporting Costa Rica's Contemporary Art Scene

Supporting Costa Rican art is an investment in creativity, culture, and community. Whether you engage with artists online, attend exhibitions, purchase local art, commission pieces, or donate to art initiatives, your involvement has a lasting impact. Costa Rica’s contemporary art scene is rapidly growing and it's an important part of Latin American culture. Now is an exciting time to connect with it.

At MÍRAME Fine Art, we believe in the power of community and the importance of nurturing the country’s artists. By staying informed, engaging directly with the art community, and making thoughtful choices to invest in local creativity, you can significantly impact Costa Rica's contemporary art scene.

Make a Difference to Costa Rica's Contemporary Art Scene