APCOM

During the last few weeks, modern and contemporary art has been permeating the streets thanks to the project 'Miraggi' (Mirages), an itinerary in the city centre formed by 12 monumental sculptures. From today until Monday, art is showing in the pavilions of Fieramilanocity, which will host the 13th edition of MiArt. Numbers prove that Milano remains the capital of the Italian art market: in 2007 the international exhibition of modern and contemporary art attracted 37,853 visitors and 235 exhibitors.

The prestigious event was officially presented yesterday at a press conference. This year the protagonist of the 'guest country' project is Latin American art. 25 international galleries try to summarize the creativity of countries whose cultural and political identity is changing rapidly: 'Nuevos territorios americanos' (New American territories) aims to do it.

More specifically, 'Focus Buenos Aires' is a selection of 20 galleries of the Argentinean capital, which is going through a period of lively creativity. Omar-Pascual Castillo, the Cuban-Spanish curator who coordinates the whole area, took part in the presentation: "When I was asked to participate in MiArt, I thought of something that could offer a complete vision of our art's evolution. We have selected many artistic personalities which truly express it".

The councilor for Culture Vittorio Sgarbi has underlined the need to preserve every kind of art. "As for contemporary art, Milano had to fill a big gap. The collaboration among different sectors, Culture, Tourism and Urban equipment, has been crucial. Now it's necessary to retrieve historical monuments and the masters' works'. Sgarbi has made a plea to Italian art lovers too: 'In our country contemporary art is harnessed by bureaucracy and backwards attitudes. We must give artists more freedom to create and innovate".

Not only 'Miraggi' tries to bring art to the streets: this year the Fair is joined by an other event, (Con)Temporary Art. In the surroundings of lively Via Tortona, until Sunday, 28 locations and 16 restaurants and bars turn into art galleries with the display of 'young' works. These works were realized either in particular for this initiative or in the last past five years.