1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, the premier platform for contemporary art from Africa and the African diaspora, is thrilled to announce its most extensive edition to date, set to take place in Marrakech from 8-11 February 2024 (Press preview on 8 February). In a significant move, the fair will unfold not only at La Mamounia hotel but also at the multidisciplinary art space DaDa in the vibrant heart of the Medina. This expansion underscores the fair’s success and underscores its dedication to the dynamic Moroccan art scene.
The 2024 Marrakech edition will host 27 exhibitors, including 14 galleries from the African continent, with eight based in Morocco. Among the first-time participants are renowned galleries such as CDA Gallery (Casablanca, Morocco), Galerie 208 (Paris, France), M CONCEPT Gallery (Dakar, Senegal), Myriem Himmich Gallery (Casablanca, Morocco), Reiners Contemporary Art (Marbella, Spain), Revie Projects (Paris, France), and The Bridge Gallery (Paris, France). Additionally, 14 galleries will debut in Marrakech, featuring African Arty (Casablanca, Morocco), Christophe Person (Paris, France), Gallery 1957 (Accra, Ghana and London, UK), Galerie Atiss Dakar (Dakar, Senegal), Portas Vilaseca Galeria (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), kó (Lagos, Nigeria), and The African Art Hub (London, UK).
Having successfully grown its presence in Marrakech since 2018, 1-54 recognizes the city’s role as a thriving hub for the continent’s art scene. To expand further within the Moroccan capital, 1-54 is pleased to extend its footprint into the Medina, with DaDa arts space hosting six galleries for the 2024 edition. The fair will continue its dynamic program of events in collaboration with local institutions, including Jajjah by Hassan Hajjaj, MAP Marrakech (Musée des Arts de la Parure), Fondation Montresso*, Institut Français de Marrakech, Le Comptoir des Mines, and Al Maqam (artists’ residence), among others. Throughout the fair, there will be a particular focus on Moroccan artists, providing a platform for local talent on the global stage, with studio visits featuring artists like Yasmina Alaoui, M’barek Bouhchichi, Yamou, and Amina Benbouchta.
1-54 will join forces with the Black Rock Global Arts Foundation to co-host a symposium on the state of artist-centric institutions in Africa. The symposium will bring together leaders from artist residencies, foundations, public museums, and artist-led initiatives to discuss the growing presence of these spaces in Africa. The foundation will also showcase works by former Black Rock Senegal artists-in-residence Léonard Pongo (Mixed-Media, Year 3) and Devin B. Johnson (Painter, Year 1) as part of the special projects at the fair.
Touria El Glaoui, Founding Director of 1-54, remarked, “Expanding the fair to DaDa in the heart of the Medina signifies not only the success of 1-54 Marrakech but also our steadfast commitment to engaging with the Moroccan art scene. We are delighted to see so many local artists and galleries on the program, showcasing these countries’ contribution to the rich tapestry of contemporary African art.”
In addition to its partnership with Christie’s, 1-54 continues its collaboration with Audi Maroc and Fondation TGCC, demonstrating its commitment to promoting contemporary African art and fostering creative dialogue. Fondation TGCC, a long-standing sponsor since the fair’s first edition in Marrakech, supports the initiative to promote emerging contemporary artists through Artorium Art Space and charity events. This year, the foundation will be present at DaDa to share information about its initiative to support emerging contemporary artists, Prix Mustaqbal.
For more information, please visit the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair.
