FIRE ESCAPE IS
Fire Escape Contemporary Art is a collaborative project that supports independent artists through unconventional formats and unique locations. Functioning both as a dynamic virtual gallery and an on-site platform. It champions bold artistic interventions and performance-based works that engage the public and spark dialogue.
Established in 2012 in Barcelona, Fire Escape originally operated as a gallery, creative co-working space, and art studio. Through its early initiatives, it revitalised the local neighborhood by becoming a hub for the art community, cultural supporters, and curious minds. Importantly, the project played a key role in democratising the local art scene—breaking down barriers between artists and general audiences. Moreover, increasing access to art through its broad program of activities.
From the outset, Fire Escape Contemporary Art has been defined as a cultural lab where reflection prevailed. Questioning the established cultural narratives—thereby providing rich opportunities for experimentation and cross-fertilisation between disciplines. In 2016, the project transitioned to Fabra i Coats, City Council Creative Factory in Barcelona, where kept developing its program.
Then in 2019, Fire Escape moved to Melbourne, Australia. Pursuing new opportunities and exploring different approaches to developing creative projects in a global context.
Since then, Fire Escape has been actively developing a diverse range of art projects to connect artists across the globe. With an ever-growing digital presence, it curates exhibitions, public art, and fosters meaningful dialogue around art. Moreover, its conversations with artists, critics, and curators are designed to sharpen conceptual analysis. Encouraging deep reflection and emotional intelligence.
Today, Fire Escape breathes from Melbourne and is directed by the independent artist and curator Anna García Solana. Continuing its original vision, the project remains dedicated to pushing artistic boundaries and fostering inclusive cultural experiences. It is deeply committed to supporting artists in their careers by providing platforms to exhibit, connect, and grow. Furthermore, it prioritises the development of critical thinking and intellectual skills—creating space for reflection, exploration, and meaningful conversations through contemporary art.
VISION
Fire Escape Contemporary Art envisions the growth of a vibrant international art community by presenting exciting, thought-provoking projects in diverse locations and unexpected venues around the world. Through this global presence, it aims to challenge conventional exhibition formats and bring contemporary art closer to the public in fresh and engaging ways.
MISSION
Fire Escape Contemporary Art is committed to fostering meaningful art experiences that connect, inspire, and strengthen the global arts community. By embracing innovative collaborations and cross-disciplinary initiatives, the project cultivates professional networks, encourages creative synergies, and actively contributes to the professionalisation of the art sector. Central to its mission is the support of independent and emerging artists—offering platforms for visibility, critical dialogue, and sustainable career growth.
DIRECTED by
Currently, Fire Escape is led by Anna García Solana, an independent artist and art curator who brings a rich academic background. Including a Master’s Degree in Creative Industries (Melbourne, 2022) and a Double Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and Teaching from the University of Barcelona (2008), with a specialisation in photography and video art.
In addition, her background also includes studies in Cultural Management (Barcelona) and Project Management (Melbourne), which together provide her with a strong foundation in both creative and strategic practices. From 2015 to 2018, she was the Director of Young Gallery Weekend, a contemporary art festival in Barcelona, and continued as an Advisor in 2019.
Currently, running Fire Escape Contemporary Art from Melbourne, the art project that she started in 2012 in Barcelona.
Her practice combines creative vision with strategic thinking. Emphasizing collaboration, community engagement, and meaningful artistic exchange. Her research explores the intersection of contemporary art and emotional intelligence. With ethnographic methodologies as tools for fostering inclusive, culturally vibrant communities. Both her research and practice are dedicated to developing and nurturing a global art community. Since 2012, she has focused on cultivating social environments that support the creative process and promote intellectual growth through ivestigative mindset.
MANIFESTO
Fire! Fire!
Finally.
Fire always simplifies. It eliminates the superfluous, the uninteresting. And what remains is creation. That kind of magic worth getting second-degree burns for.
Do you see that ladder? Go up.
In this culture lab, we experiment through the red scales.
We get as much volcanic material as possible out of a photograph.
We replace pencils to torches within the illustration.
The architecture has as a reference ‘The Towering Inferno’.
Video creation throws its armies against the fireproof.
Performances from the ashes.
The creation scientific process is deconstructed.
The art as a catalyctic.
The open wound at last understood.
There are many stairs that promise to take you to Heaven. This is the one that guarantees you direct access to the fire.
PURE SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION
BURNING WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY SEEN
ART FOR EVERYONE
ART WITHOUT LIMITS
A PLACE FOR THE CRITICAL THINKING
INTELLECTUAL SKILLS THROUGH ART EXPERIENCES
ABOUT CONTEMPORARY ART
Do you smell that?
Something is on fire.