Not the usual topic I write about, but it’s always good to shine a light on the talent coming through here in Tenerife. And this year’s Merkarte Navidad looks set to be a big one.
From 18 December to 18 January, the La Recova Art Centre in Santa Cruz will host the latest edition of Merkarte, a project backed by the Cabildo that gives young creators a proper platform to show and sell their work. Best of all, admission is completely free, so anyone can wander in and soak it all up.
A Showcase of Young Talent
The idea behind Merkarte is simple, and honestly, quite refreshing. The public can buy original pieces created by young artists from across the island, everything from photography and illustration to ceramics.
This year they received almost 70 applications and selected 44 artists, which is more than last year. Interestingly, the majority of them are women, which says a lot about the strength and drive of young female creators here.
These artists aren’t just putting work on a wall and hoping for the best. Merkarte gives them the chance to connect with the public, test the market and, for many, make their first real sales. That kind of support is invaluable when you’re trying to get your foot in the door.
A Bigger Commitment From the Cabildo
Serafín Mesa, the Island Councillor for Youth, said during the presentation that Merkarte has become “a hallmark of Tenerife”, adding that this year’s venue is more visible and more accessible. The goal is to help them reach a wider audience and boost sales.
He also mentioned that the Cabildo will continue to push initiatives that help young people train, develop professionally and strengthen their place in the cultural field. Considering how tough it can be for new artists to break through, this sort of support matters more than people realise.
The event is organised together with Fifede and the Autonomous Cultural Organisation of Santa Cruz, which has provided the newly renovated La Recova space free of charge. A small gesture on paper, but a meaningful one.
La Recova Reopens With Art Front and Centre
Santiago Díaz, the Santa Cruz Councillor for Culture and Historical Heritage, said he’s delighted to reopen La Recova with an event like Merkarte Navidad. He also encouraged everyone to visit during the festive period to see the quality of work being produced by young local artists. To be fair, it’s a pretty perfect excuse for a Christmas outing.
Opening Hours
Merkarte Navidad will be open from:
18 December to 18 January
10:30 to 14:00
17:00 to 20:30
Open every day except holidays
A Program With Real Impact
This isn’t just another seasonal fair. Merkarte is part of a wider strategy that includes exhibitions, training and support spaces for creators under 35. The aim is to give young artists visibility, confidence and a smoother path into the professional world.
The results speak for themselves. Between 2022 and 2024, more than 100 artists took part in Merkarte activities. Last year’s Christmas edition brought in over 1,190 visitors and led to the sale of 586 works, putting real money into the pockets of emerging creators.
It’s also helped build stronger networks between artists and institutions, which is something Tenerife genuinely needs if it wants to keep growing culturally.
If you’re around Santa Cruz over the holidays, it’s well worth popping in. You never know, you might end up taking home something special and supporting someone’s artistic journey at the same time.
