LONDON.- Mario Testino announced the opening of MATE – Asociación Mario Testino, a not-for-profit cultural organisation in the district of Barranco, in Lima, Peru.

MATE is the manifestation of his desire to promote and celebrate the arts in his native country. It aims to provide a dynamic platform to Peruvian artists, both locally and internationally and will concentrate the largest number of Mario Testino’s works in the world.

Much of Mario Testino’s career has been based away from Peru. However, his Peruvian background has driven his passion towards finding an appropriate space in his native Lima, a place that reflects his taste where his work will be displayed on a permanent basis. The Asociación will welcome both local and international visitors and is set to become a destination on the global artistic trail. It will act as a base to anchor a relationship and understanding between his works and visitors.

Mario Testino has been dedicated to enhancing the profile of Peruvian art and artists through many of his special projects. He has linked galleries in London and Lima, curated an exhibition of Latin American Art at Andrea Rosen Gallery in New York and published and edited the book “Lima, Peru”, featuring the work of local artists that reflects the diversity of the city.

MATE is situated on Pedro de Osma Avenue, a historic area of Barranco. The district is considered to be the city’s most artistic, having been home for several decades to many of Peru’s leading writers, poets and artists. It is already host to many of Lima’s most established and prestigious contemporary art galleries. The MATE building was personally selected by Mario and has been restored and refurbished in full to its former glory – a wonderful example of late 19th century Republican style architecture which Mario is passionate to restore and preserve.

MATE’s inaugural exhibition will be Todo o Nada by Mario Testino, opening on the 17th July 2012.