In an ambitious and groundbreaking endeavor, Africa Basel, the first international art fair dedicated exclusively to contemporary African art and its diaspora, is set to debut during Art Basel week in June 2025. This visionary fair promises to offer an unparalleled platform for African artists, galleries, and collectors to engage with the global art community. Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated event.
The Concept: Elevating African Art on the Global Stage
Africa Basel is the brainchild of Sven Eisenhut-Hug, an art fair entrepreneur, and Benjamin Füglister, a creative visionary, both of whom are passionate about showcasing the richness and diversity of African art. As the global art world grapples with economic challenges and shifting trends, Africa Basel emerges as a focused and sustainable platform that transcends fleeting market interests. By dedicating a space to African art in the heart of Europe’s most prestigious art fair ecosystem, the fair seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the continent’s artistic narratives.
The fair will serve as a bridge between Africa and the global art market, offering a curated space for collectors, curators, and audiences to connect with African and Afro-diasporic art in a meaningful way.
Event Details
- Event: Africa Basel 2025
- Dates: 17–22 June 2025
- Location: Ackermannshof, St. Johannvorstadt 19-21, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
- Applications for Galleries: Open until 31 January 2025 (email: application@africabasel.com)
The fair aligns with the iconic Art Basel week, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement for its participants. The venue, Ackermannshof, offers an intimate and proven setting that allows visitors to experience African art away from the noise of larger fairs.

What to Expect
- A Dynamic Line-Up of Galleries:
Africa Basel prioritizes a balanced representation of emerging and established galleries, showcasing the full spectrum of African contemporary art. This ensures an engaging and diverse exhibition, reflecting the continent’s dynamic art scene and its diasporic connections. - Distinguished Curatorial Expertise:
A carefully selected Curatorial Board will play a pivotal role in shaping the fair’s identity. The board includes:- Azu Nwagbogu (Founder, African Artists’ Foundation)
- Michèle Sandoz (Former Global Head of VIP, Art Basel)
- Serge Tiroche (Founder, Africa First)
- Dr. Greer Valley (Head of Curatorial Affairs, Zeitz MOCAA)
- Innovative Programs and Spotlight Sections:
Dedicated spaces for emerging talent and thematic exhibitions will celebrate rising stars while paying homage to established names. This approach underscores Africa Basel’s commitment to quality and innovation. - Global Networking Opportunities:
By coinciding with Art Basel, the fair positions itself as a key destination for collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts seeking to explore the rich narratives of African creativity.
Why Basel?
Basel, with its 55-year history as the host city of the world’s leading art fair, offers an unparalleled cultural and economic environment for the arts. The city’s global art ecosystem, coupled with Switzerland’s economic stability, makes it the ideal location for Africa Basel. The timing alongside Art Basel ensures that participating galleries and artists benefit from the presence of the world’s top art collectors and curators.
Addressing Challenges in the Market
Amid concerns about an “African art bubble” and market volatility, Africa Basel champions sustainability and long-term stability. The fair’s boutique size allows for tailored support to galleries and artists, ensuring that they thrive despite global economic uncertainties. Founders Füglister and Eisenhut-Hug emphasize that the era of mega-fairs is waning, advocating for a focused and intimate approach that prioritizes meaningful engagement over spectacle.
The Vision Ahead
Africa Basel aims to become a cornerstone of the global art calendar, redefining how African art is perceived and appreciated on the world stage. Over the next five years, the fair envisions expanding its influence through global collaborations, satellite events, and digital strategies, fostering a sustainable and inclusive art ecosystem.
Be Part of the Movement
The debut of Africa Basel marks a transformative moment for African contemporary art. By creating a platform that champions quality, innovation, and context, the fair promises to elevate African art to new heights. For galleries interested in participating, applications are open until 31 January 2025. For inquiries, reach out to application@africabasel.com.
For art enthusiasts and collectors, Africa Basel 2025 is a must-visit destination that promises to showcase the best of African creativity in an intimate, curated setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the dawn of a new era in contemporary African art.