At the state level, contemporary visual arts policy in Spain is promoted by the Deputy Directorate-General for Visual Arts and Contemporary Creation, which supports artistic production and fosters collaboration with cultural and professional networks.
Recent policy developments, particularly within the Cultural Rights Plan 2025-2030, have prioritised territorial balance and access to cultural rights. Key measures include the strengthening of decentralised artistic residencies and the development of hybrid, multi-site initiatives connecting different territories in Spain and across Europe. These initiatives aim to promote artistic mobility, reduce regional disparities and encourage new forms of cultural cooperation, often linking visual arts with other disciplines—such as audiovisual production, architecture and performance—in response to contemporary challenges, including the climate emergency.
Within this framework, the Tabacalera Centre for Artistic Production and Residencies (Madrid) has been reinforced as a national hub for contemporary creation. Its model combines artistic production, residency programmes and community-oriented activities. The allocation of spaces within the Tabacalera complex to the Remontada Tabacalera collective and other local associations has further strengthened its social and participatory dimension, reinforcing links between contemporary creation and community engagement.
Beyond Madrid, Tabakalera (San Sebastián) operates as an International Centre for Contemporary Culture, combining creative production, public programming and collaboration with cultural and research institutions. In parallel, initiatives such as Medialab Prado exemplify citizen-based innovation through open calls, collaborative projects and interdisciplinary experimentation, contributing to more participatory models of cultural production.
Policy support is complemented by sectoral initiatives aimed at improving the professional conditions of artists and cultural operators. Organisations such as the Institute of Contemporary Art advocate for greater recognition of the sector and improved access to public funding, including mechanisms linked to the “2% cultural” scheme. Professional associations such as the Spanish Association of Conservators and Restorers (ACRE) emphasise the importance of specialised training standards in heritage-related practices.
In the field of crafts, Fundesarte remains the leading organisation promoting and supporting Spanish craftsmanship. Since 2014, it has been integrated into the EOI Foundation (School of Industrial Organization), attached to the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. Its activities aim to strengthen the cultural and economic value of the sector through initiatives focused on visibility, innovation, sustainability and competitiveness. These include the organisation of the National Crafts Awards, coordination of the European Crafts Days, and the international promotion of Spanish crafts through exhibitions and cultural programmes.
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