The Arteba Planet is preparing for its 2025 edition, but it has not escaped the country's general crisis.

Each new arteba presentation feels like a trip to another planet, where there are no crises, no outbursts, no fiscal deficits, and no negotiations with the IMF. Everything flows. Of course, this time, the number of supporters (partners, patrons, collaborators) who joined in the financing of a Fair already established in the local and international art calendar increased, but which faced a heated prelude due to the refusal of several galleries to participate due to the presence of an auction house that will ultimately be present.

The run-up to this edition wasn't easy. There were intense discussions, debates among gallery owners, and calculations and recalculations regarding the cost of spaces at the Fair. Some reduced their square footage, while others decided not to participate this time.

At Thursday's presentation, Arthaus opened its doors to welcome members of the arteba Foundation. Speaking to Clarín , its general director, Andrés Buhar, said he plans to purchase one or two works at the Fair . When we insisted, he smiled and said, "It will be a surprise. But I'm not going to give anything away." He did, however , say that he hopes this bridge between arteba and Arthaus will prosper , especially in relation to arteba's educational program and Arthaus's music program.

Aside from the enthusiasm of Larisa Andreani, the Foundation's president; its executive director , Lucrecia Palacios; and the members of the organization's various committees, we know that this year, at least half a dozen renowned galleries will not be at arteba. Among those absent are Cosmocosa, Isla Flotante, Gachi Prieto, Sasha Dávila, and Sendrós.

How much does a space at Arteba cost that's large enough to display the artwork attractively? "With setup included, a 60-meter booth costs over $40,000 ," two gallery owners tell us, comparing prices. Both galleries reduced their space by 40% this year compared to the previous edition. And among the works they're showing at the Fair, they've gone all out. The best of the best from their artists.

This year, in addition to the awards arteba presents each year (Santander, main sponsor, Pinamar, and others), Marion Eppinger will receive a special distinction. Thursday night at Arthaus, she was pampered by everyone. And there will also be celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of Galería Benzacar, the 50th anniversary of Palatina, and the 40th anniversary of Sur.

The presentation was discreet, and the catering very austere. To begin—and end—a table of cheeses and colorful breads, with fruity meringues, and only Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon wine. More than a presentation of the Fair, it was a meeting to thank all the sponsors who are fueling this year's arteba event in a difficult economic and financial context.

Among those present—gallery owners, curators, artists, and collectors, above all— the conversation revolved around the costs of the stands , but also about the atmosphere surrounding not only this edition, but also the various fairs, festivals, art events, and museums that are being run with all their might. There's money, but given the lack of trust generated by the national government, no one wants to "put it in."

The Secretary of Culture of the Nation, Leonardo Cifelli, made a swift entrance and exit from the Arthaus terrace. We tried to stop him to speak, but he quickly slipped away. The Minister of Culture of the City, Gabriela Ricardes, greeted us, took photos , and shortly afterward attended the magnificent gala celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Teatro Colón Ballet.

Ama Amoedo arrived late, wearing a white leather skirt with studs and slits and an animal-print coat. She looked splendid even as the temperature reached 6 degrees, a few degrees below the wind chill. She was also impressive in her outfit by Larisa Andreani, whose jacket was incredible.

Two sources we'll call VIPs had conflicting opinions . The collector told us that "the Fair will be successful because the dollar is cheap." True, but for spending it outside the country. Argentina, as Gabriela Ricardes said in an exclusive interview with Clarín , "is expensive." For us who live there and for tourists who come to spend.

The other source we consulted, another collector, told us: “ People who can afford to buy art today are in a bad mood about spending dollars. There's little demand, little consumption, most companies are limited, underpaying staff, profit margins have fallen, and some are at their limit. It's difficult to encourage people in a bad mood to invest in art .”

We continue to gather feedback here and there, between cheese triangles and lemonade. Andrés Buhar himself told us: “ We will possibly work with Arteba to generate collecting, because there is very little in the country . The issue of community building is fundamental. People need to be encouraged to share; it's very important.”

What Buhar points out is, for some artists and gallery owners, an unfinished business. Training new generations of collectors is essential for the continuity of a market in sharp decline—as things stand—in a world where the art market is also in decline. There are many countries in upside down where politics seems like a deranged territory, whose societies are seeing their democratic quality of life decline. These are the interesting times attributed to a Chinese proverb to describe turbulent times.

Clarín has learned that 70 galleries will participate this year, 15 of which are international . The Fair will open at Costa Salguero from August 29 to 31 , and the pre-opening (special guests, specialized press, etc.) will be on August 27 and 28. The opening hours will be from 12 to 8 p.m.

We spoke with two members of the selection committee for the Fair's Main Section, including Florencia Malbrán, Lara Marmor, Inés Huergo, María Casado, and Pablo de Sousa, about how this edition of arteba fits into the national context: " The general situation is difficult, both in Argentina and abroad , in terms of the sharp decline in the art market. Despite this, we try to select works of art that are attractive to major museums, which are also rediscovering certain periods by great masters or artists who are less well-known. Of course, we're not aiming for million-dollar works," the sources told us.

In this selection, the committee focused on mid-career artists who have everything they need to make a name for themselves and whose works are affordable. "These are works of great significance. Last year, 40% of art collectors worldwide purchased a work for the first time . There's a whole new generation of collectors who are younger and seek out artists of their own generation," sources tell us.

“We always think about having a diverse, vibrant Fair whose mission is to energize the art scene,” they tell us.

It's true that some collectors prefer to purchase works abroad by artists they could easily afford to buy in Argentina. That's why sources highlight the galleries' efforts to sustain their projects and to sustain a scene that arteba represents well.

Larisa Andreani's speech could be summed up as a success, given the minefield surrounding cultural institutions. Instead of leaving the acknowledgments for the end, she decided to start with them: "I want to thank our sponsors for helping us build this edition of arteba, which is the fair that consolidates Argentine art." Applause, and we look forward to the results of this edition at the end of August.