The Awakening of Contemporary Art in the Mayab
Yucatán is no longer just a land of ancient archaeological sites and age-old traditions; it is rapidly becoming the epicenter of contemporary art in Mexico. From January 27 to 31, 2026, the inaugural edition of WAY: Week of Art Yucatán arrives, transforming Mérida and its surroundings into a living canvas of creativity, dialogue, and community.
![Week-of-Art-Yucatan-Claribel-by-WAY]()
What is WAY?
What is WAY?Week of Art Yucatán (WAY) is much more than an art fair; it is a collective initiative designed to highlight and professionalize the state's vibrant artistic scene. For five days, the event orchestrates a cultural circuit connecting local creators, gallerists, curators, and collectors with the general public, bridging the gap between regional talent and the international spotlight.
Origins and Mission: Who is Behind It?
WAY was born from the vision of a group of promoters, artists, and cultural managers led by figures such as José García Torres. Its primary goal is to strengthen Yucatán’s creative ecosystem, fostering exchange between independent spaces and established galleries. At a time when Mérida is capturing global attention, WAY emerges to ensure that local art remains the protagonist of this cultural expansion.
Venues and Program of Activities
The event unfolds across various strategic locations, turning the visit into both a geographic and sensory adventure.
Key Venues:
- Salón Gallos: Located in the heart of Downtown (Centro), it serves as the general headquarters for talks, screenings, and the highly anticipated closing party.
- Plantel Matilde: An iconic architectural space showcasing contemporary sculpture exhibitions.
- Hacienda San Juan (Telchac Pueblo): Host to the Nepantla exhibition, which integrates art, landscape, and architecture.
Program Highlights:
- Gallery Tour (January 31): The flagship activity. A curated journey through 18 galleries and independent spaces such as Galería Secreta, Lux Perpetua, and La Cúpula.
- Talks and Conferences: Open dialogues regarding the art market, curatorship, and new media.
- Performances and Music: Live activations blending sound and visual arts.
- Dining and Networking: Alliances with local restaurants to create informal meeting points for attendees.
How to Attend
To experience WAY to the fullest, two main access tiers are available:
- Full Week Pass: All-access to venues and activities ($1,400 MXN / $650 MXN for students).
- Gallery Tour Registration: Exclusive access to the Saturday, Jan 31 tour ($800 MXN / $450 MXN for students).
Traveler Tip: Register in advance at the official site way.com.mx to secure your spot in the limited-capacity tours.
IG: way.com.mx
Related articles
