In a tranquil corner of Uruguay, Pueblo Garzón has emerged as an unexpected cultural destination thanks to the CAMPO Artfest.
This international art festival brought together more than 20 artists from countries such as Brazil, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States in its eighth edition. A sound installation by German artist Lukas Kuhne, which transformed a chapel into an interactive piece with resonance boxes and rubber mallets, was one of the main highlights.
Heidi Lender’s vision and the festival’s impact
The festival, created by U.S. photographer Heidi Lender, drew around 6,000 visitors in three days, an impressive number for a town with fewer than 200 residents. Lender, who discovered Garzón 14 years ago, was captivated by its unique atmosphere and decided to establish a nonprofit organization to promote artistic creation in this singular setting.
Landscape and gastronomy: an irresistible combination
Located 170 kilometers east of Montevideo, Pueblo Garzón is renowned for its vineyards and olive groves, a landscape often compared to Tuscany. Two decades ago, renowned Argentine chef Francis Mallmann opened a restaurant that brought international attention. Today, the town is also home to the Mesa Garzón project, led by chef Lucía Soria, which hosts exclusive dinners in various locations.
Residencies and galleries: sustained artistic growth
Lender’s project includes artist residencies, the CAMPO Artfest, and a developing art campus. Additionally, artists like Mauro Arbiza have opened galleries in the town. Arbiza, who previously participated in international fairs such as Art Basel, highlights the quality of connections he now makes in Garzón, where his sculptures sell for between $2,500 and $40,000.
A town with history and future
The past of Pueblo Garzón is marked by the prosperity brought by an old wheat mill, evident in its now-abandoned train station. Once home to 2,000 residents, the town now has only 178, according to the 2023 census. However, figures like tailor John Pearse and French artist Marie Ducate have chosen this town for its “special energy.”
