A Dynamic Pillar of Mexico City’s Art Week
Material Vol. 12, a dynamic and evolving pillar of Mexico City’s art week, has announced a historic change for its 12th edition. From February 5 to 8, 2026, the fair will celebrate its duodecimal edition in a new location: Maravilla Studios, an almost century-old olive oil factory in the Atlampa Colony. This strategic move aims to transform the visitor experience within a sprawling 10,000 square meter space.
From Expo Reforma to Maravilla Studios
After three years at Expo Reforma, this strategic shift seeks to redefine the visitor experience in a vast space. Brett Schultz, co-founder and director of the Material Art Fair, highlighted that the move addresses the need for larger venues to accommodate the fair’s massive scale while preserving its freshness and relevance over the past 12 years. This year, the fair will host 76 galleries from 21 countries.
Brett Schultz: “The city needs more spaces like this. As organizers of a massive event, it’s crucial to find venues that allow us to rethink scale and experience, strengthening the vibrant connection with Mexico City.”
Dialogue and Resilience: Voices of the 12th Edition
During a press conference, organizers and galleries reflected on Material’s evolution and the challenges facing the contemporary art ecosystem.
For instance, how the art market has shifted from elite collectors to “collectors on the street.” Amidst global economic uncertainty, there was concern about how young people could access the market. Alfonso Castro, a collector and partner, emphasized that Material has always been “a vanguard for young artists with avant-garde messages and more affordable prices.”
“Sometimes we’re afraid to ask when we don’t see the price, but today’s galleries are more agile and flexible. You can inquire about installment payments or use electronic terminals,” Castro stressed.
Francisco Cordero-Oceguera (Lodos Gallery) added that sales are crucial for maintaining artists’ “nightlife,” but galleries now have a special sensitivity to ensure pieces reach collections that truly cherish them.
The “Crisis of Trust” affecting international art institutions was also discussed. Adrian de Banville, programming director, told El Economista that the fair aims to confront this issue through critical dialogue. “It’s a vital topic because institutions sustain the art system. Under the theme ‘Reimagining Coexistence,’ we seek voices reinventing the museum from the margins,” he explained.
Examples included Sol Henaro, the new director of Museo del Chopo, who is changing administrative rules and involving security staff in programming, and Idurre Alonso (Getty Research Institute), who has worked on “vandalizing” and reinterpreting Spanish colonial archives.
When asked how to prevent dissident and alternative discourses from becoming mere consumer products, organizers defended the fair’s honesty. “It’s challenging to escape Mexico City’s economic reality, but it’s not about aesthetizing identities; it’s about highlighting impactful artists imagining better realities.”
Program and Location
At Maravilla Studios, the venue will offer valet parking and coordination with Cuauhtémoc Alcaldía for parking.
This year, there will be a children’s section with Mini Material, a “Botanical Music” workshop by Meme del Real (Café Tacvba) for children aged 4 to 12 (open to older ages). Limited to 30 participants, registration will open soon on social media.
There will also be a VIP event at the Dolores Olmedo Museum, where an invited program will feature a private tour of Joab Vera’s work in dialogue with Diego Rivera’s twilight pieces.
The closing event will be a “Rave Night” on February 7, celebrating the intersection of music, body, and community with Juliana Huxtable and Tayhana.
Looking Ahead
According to its creators, this edition will expand Material’s reach and deepen its work with artists, galleries, independent initiatives, and current practices, positioning itself as a key meeting point for art in Mexico City during February.
Maravilla Studios
Material Vol. 12
- Maravilla Studios (Former La Maravilla Factory)
- Fresno 135, Col. Atlampa, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX
- February 5 to 8, 2026
For more information, complete programming, and tickets, visit: material-fair.com
