The 16th edition of Chile Arte Contemporáneo (Chaco), Chile's only international contemporary art fair, is underway in Santiago, featuring over 50 galleries. The fair emphasizes representation of the entire country, from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, and includes galleries from 11 countries, with a focus on Chilean contemporary artists. Notable presentations include immersive installations by artists like Fernando Andreo Castro and politically engaged displays, such as a composite flag by Brazilian gallery Hermès and a stand by Mnwal, a space for artists from the Palestinian diaspora.
Chaco matters for its role in making contemporary art accessible and fostering a new generation of collectors. With works priced as low as under $1,000 and a conscious effort to include regional collectives often excluded from larger international fairs due to cost, it serves as a vital platform for local and regional art scenes. Its funding from Chile's cultural ministry, rather than private sponsors, allows it to maintain a distinct, intimate character compared to major fairs like Zona Maco or ArteBA, while foregrounding works with a political edge and affordable price points.