Villena will host the opening venue of the upcoming edition of the Biennial Art Nostre, a festival that gathers the works of emerging plastic artists from inland Alicante. The purpose is to showcase contemporary art, its makers, and new productions to a wider audience. The solicitation period for submitting works runs until 20 November, inviting artists to be part of the biennial selection.
The jury begins its work in January, with participating municipalities selecting a total of 20 pieces to be shown. In the proposal, Alcoy, Alfafara, Banyeres de Mariola, Castalla, Ibi, Muro, Onil, and Villena will host the final exhibition sites where the chosen works will be displayed.
The director of the House of Culture, José Ayelo, noted that Villena has taken part in the last four editions and this year’s event will start in Villena before touring the other participating towns. He emphasized a strong collaborative opportunity that brings together large cities and smaller towns with a shared goal of promoting contemporary art. This approach benefits communities with fewer resources by giving them access to a broader cultural platform.
Ayelo highlighted the momentum of the initiative thanks to the Art Nostre Cultural Association, which forms from cultural professionals who work in a network to identify and present artists who are advancing their careers. The association acts as a bridge, connecting artists with opportunities that help them grow.
Rafael Calvo, director of the Art Nostre Cultural Association, shared that following the ups and downs of recent times and the unavoidable impact of the pandemic, the Biennial has strengthened as a platform for new talents to gain visibility.
José Arroyo, director of the Vila de Ibi Cultural Center, underscored the unity of different municipalities in promoting contemporary art. He noted that this cooperative spirit benefits cities by supporting new artists and creating synergistic opportunities. It is possible to present high quality works in strong formats suited to the digital era, enhancing access and visibility for artists across the region.
Plastic and Theoretical Artists
Art Nostre is a collective of leading plastic artists and art theorists working across the region. The Alcoyà-Comtat and Vall de Albaida counties initiated the group in 2005 with a focus on art as a process of creation, reflection, and research. The collective engages with contemporary art through a plural cultural lens, emphasizing both aesthetic and intellectual concerns and seeking to open new cultural spaces for discussion and exploration.
The history of these competitions traces back to 2006 and extends through 2007. Banyeres de Mariola, Biar, Onil, Muro, and Cocentaina, in collaboration with CAM, facilitated the selection of 29 works by 23 artists. The jury was chaired by a prominent local arts institution and supported by the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and notable cultural centers. Since then, the event has grown into a biennial highlight, fueling momentum for major contemporary art presentations and fostering new talents in the region.