This year at ARCO 2026, an unusual initiative from Castilla-La Mancha captured the attention of the Spanish public. The project “Tránsitos. De la tierra al arte” became a highlight for those following the evolution of crafts and contemporary art in the country. The organizers aimed to unite traditional techniques with new artistic approaches, potentially reshaping the perception of the region’s cultural heritage on a national scale.
The project’s core idea is to demonstrate how ancient craft practices can coexist with modern forms of art. According to RUSSPAIN.com, curator Joaquín Ruiz Espinosa chose weaving as the theme for the inaugural exhibition, considering it not just a craft, but also a way of thinking and transmitting knowledge. This perspective prompted the creators to reflect on the role of material traditions in shaping the identity of Castilla-La Mancha.
Collaborative creativity
Three works created in collaboration between artists and master artisans drew particular attention. Each piece resulted from a dialogue between different generations and approaches, offering a fresh perspective on familiar materials and techniques. Participants in the project included Irene Infantes and Ramón Cobo (Wool4life), Carles Tarrassó and Juan Manuel Marcilla (Cestería Marcilla), as well as Maya Pita-Romero and Sergio Rosa (Artesanía Eustaquio Rosa).
“Abrigadero” by Infantes and Cobo reimagines the traditional shepherd’s dwelling, using wool as a symbol of memory and community care. The second installation, “Aigua en cistella” by Tarrassó and Marcilla, combines vine and resin to explore the invisible connections between landscape and regional culture. The third piece, “Una lengua de otro tiempo” by Pita-Romero and Rosa, addresses the theme of textiles and generational memory, utilizing plant-dyed fibers and elements of traditional costume.
A fresh take on tradition
The exhibition is housed in a specially designed AVWL space created by Fernando Sánchez Herrero. The interior emphasizes the connection between past and present, crafting an atmosphere where tradition serves as the foundation for new artistic exploration. The opening was attended by regional officials, including Aránzazu Pérez Gil and Patricia Pérez de Castro, as well as all project participants.
Organizers note that such initiatives not only help preserve artisanal knowledge but also adapt it to the contemporary context. Attention to detail, the use of local materials, and a focus on handcrafted work make these pieces unique for the Spanish art market. The project has already attracted the interest of collectors and cultural heritage experts.
Regional significance
For Castilla-La Mancha, participating in ARCO 2026 became an opportunity to make its mark on the international stage. The region has long been known for its artisanal traditions, but in recent years has faced the challenge of losing unique techniques. The new project demonstrates that integrating crafts into contemporary art can be an effective tool for their preservation and development.
Experts believe that such exhibitions help draw attention to the issues facing disappearing professions and spark young people’s interest in artisanal careers. Amid globalization, these initiatives are particularly relevant for Spain, where preserving cultural identity remains a pressing concern.
In recent years, projects combining traditional crafts with contemporary art have been increasingly common in Spain. For example, in 2025, Barcelona hosted an exhibition dedicated to Catalan ceramics, where master artisans collaborated with young artists. A recently opened gallery in Valencia specializes in handmade textiles, while in Toledo a program was launched to support blacksmithing. These events show that interest in crafts in Spain is growing, and new formats of collaboration offer additional opportunities to preserve and develop cultural heritage.
