Work in Progress (WIP)

Nōvo Collective presents Work in Progress (WIP), a festival that adopts a live exhibition format centered on artistic process rather than the presentation of finished works. Instead of focusing on completed pieces, WIP invites the public into the process itself. Artists work publicly within a shared temporary studio (Nicaragua 23 bis) and through a network of local artist studios distributed across the city. Visitors encounter works midstream—in moments of testing, doubt, and uncertainty.

The goal of WIP is to offer a new way of experiencing art: not as a consumable final product, but as an active process that unfolds over time. Over the course of eight days, during Mexico City Art Week (February 1–8), audiences gain firsthand knowledge directly from those who create—observing how things are made, asking questions, listening, and in some cases, participating in the act of creation.

For artists, Work in Progress opens space to experiment with alternative exhibition models. It allows unfinished works to be shown, ideas to be tested publicly, and assumptions around visibility, authorship, and isolation to be questioned. Vulnerability is integral to this approach. WIP explores openness as a collective practice grounded in solidarity, trust, and care. Shoes are left at the door. If artists are willing to show unfinished work, visitors are invited to meet them halfway. Funny, playful socks are mandatory.

Interactivity is central to WIP. Artistic creation is understood as a shared practice, emphasizing proximity and presence. Programming includes interactive studio visits with more than 20 local artists, deep explorations of materiality and process-based practices, technology-driven experiences engaging with urgent contemporary cultural questions, and floor-seated dinners that explore food as an artistic medium and alternative modes of consumption. All activities are designed to be participatory, time-based, and deeply human, offering both structure and openness throughout Art Week in Mexico City.

The full program, including calendar, map, and complete list of participants, is available here.

Tickets

— Nōvo Collective