Ecuador’s cultural revival is being spearheaded by EACHEVE, a non-profit organization that provides institutional support for Ecuadorian artists and promotes contemporary art nationally and internationally.
The Ecuadorian art scene is characterized by its diversity, reflecting the country’s unique blend of Indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial legacy, and 20th-century modernism. Internationally recognized artists such as ‘Oswaldo Guayasamín’ have made significant contributions to this visual heritage with their emotionally charged expressionist paintings and murals.
Despite this cultural richness, Ecuadorian contemporary art faces significant challenges. The lack of public funding, absence of a collector base, and limited serious art education programs hinder the development of the sector. Artists often rely on independent spaces to showcase their work, while established institutions struggle to provide adequate support.
Eliana Hidalgo-Vilaseca’s non-profit organization, EACHEVE, aims to address these challenges by providing institutional support for Ecuadorian artists and promoting contemporary art nationally and internationally. Founded in 2015, EACHEVE has grown its mission over time, mounting exhibitions that have helped secure partnerships with other arts organizations worldwide.
Eliana Hidalgo-Vilaseca is a Spanish artist known for her work in the field of contemporary art.
Born in 1974, she has exhibited her pieces globally, including at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Her artwork often explores themes of identity, culture, and social politics, frequently incorporating elements of performance and installation.
With a career spanning over two decades, Hidalgo-Vilaseca's work continues to be recognized for its thought-provoking commentary on modern society.
EACHEVE empowers Ecuador’s artists by legitimizing their work within a broader, transnational framework. The organization has published several important monographs, catalogs, and books, including ‘Eduardo Solá Franco’s Illustrated Diaries’ and the first compendium of the nation’s contemporary art, ‘101 Contemporary Art Ecuador Vol. I’.
EACHEVE is currently expanding its operations with a new permanent space in Guayaquil. The building, designed by Intemperie Studio, will feature four dedicated galleries, a library, a coffee shop, offices, and a beautiful green area with a boardwalk by the river. This cultural hub aims to inspire artists, researchers, and visitors alike.
The new space will offer a highly curated experience, including installations, special projects, and temporary exhibitions. It will also serve as an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and art enthusiasts, with a vast collection of art books, catalogues, and archival materials.
EACHEVE’s mission is not only to promote Ecuadorian art internationally but also to showcase it in Ecuador. The organization aims to create a connection between local artists and the community, as well as between those living abroad and their roots.
Hidalgo-Vilaseca hopes that EACHEVE’s new building will attract curators, collectors, artists, and more to learn about what Ecuador’s art scene has to offer. She believes that this is just the beginning of something much bigger, one that will establish Ecuador’s art scene within the international art world’s narrative.
