Cultural Intelligence

Celebrating Africans in the 2025 ArtReview Power 100

Africans in Art Review Power 100

The 2025 edition of the ArtReview Power 100 list delivers a truly historic moment for global contemporary art: for the first time in the ranking’s 24-year history, an African figure has claimed the number one position. Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama‘s ascent to the top spot is not merely an individual achievement but a seismic cultural […]

Celebrating Africans in the 2025 ArtReview Power 100 Read More »

An Unapologetic Force: ART X Lagos at 10 and the Blueprint for Africa’s Creative Future

ART X Lagos Impact Report

The release of the ART X Lagos 10-Year Impact Report is not merely a commemorative document; it stands as a seismic declaration of arrival for African contemporary art on the global stage, solidifying the fair’s decade-long transformation from a bold Nigerian experiment into West Africa’s most formidable cultural engine. This comprehensive report, celebrating a journey

An Unapologetic Force: ART X Lagos at 10 and the Blueprint for Africa’s Creative Future Read More »

UIA2026BCN: Your Essential Guide for African Architects to Shine in Barcelona

Barcelona’s iconic cityscape, captured in a stunning aerial view from a helicopter, sets the vibrant stage for UIA2026BCN, UNESCO’s World Capital of Architecture 2026. Photo by Ikumaru/Shutterstock.

For African architects, designers, and students, the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 (UIA2026BCN) in Barcelona is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase your work on a global stage. Themed Becoming: Architectures for a Planet in Transition, this prestigious event invites you to contribute innovative ideas that address ecological, social, and urban challenges. Africans Column is

UIA2026BCN: Your Essential Guide for African Architects to Shine in Barcelona Read More »

African Architects Light Up the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025: A Celebration of Heritage and Innovation

morocco-pavilion-venice-architecture-biennale-2025

At the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, themed Intelligens: Natural. Artificial. Collective., African architects and designers have taken center stage, showcasing the continent’s unparalleled creativity and vision. Curated by Carlo Ratti, this 19th edition, running from May 10 to November 23, 2025, transforms the Giardini, Arsenale, and select collateral venues into a global platform for architectural

African Architects Light Up the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025: A Celebration of Heritage and Innovation Read More »

The Enduring Legacy of Olden West African Architecture: A Testament to Ingenuity and Culture

Larabanga Mosque

West Africa is home to some of the most fascinating and enduring architectural marvels, built by indigenous societies long before European influence. The ingenuity of these structures reflects not only the region’s climatic adaptations but also the spiritual, political, and social systems that shaped their construction. Spanning from the 10th to the 17th century and

The Enduring Legacy of Olden West African Architecture: A Testament to Ingenuity and Culture Read More »

The Transformative Impact of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair on Marrakech’s Art Scene

Since its inception in 2018, the Marrakech edition of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair has played a transformative role in elevating the city’s status within the global art scene. Traditionally recognized for its vibrant cultural history and tourism appeal, Marrakech is now asserting itself as a powerhouse in Africa’s contemporary art market. The fair,

The Transformative Impact of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair on Marrakech’s Art Scene Read More »

The Rise of African Art on the Global Stage: Top 15 Must-Attend Art Events in 2025

Chalewote

African art has seen a meteoric rise in global recognition, with its rich cultural narratives, innovative expressions, and diverse voices capturing the attention of collectors, curators, and enthusiasts worldwide. As we step into 2025, the continent’s art scene promises an array of world-class events that showcase its vibrant creativity. Here are the top 15 art

The Rise of African Art on the Global Stage: Top 15 Must-Attend Art Events in 2025 Read More »

Celebrating African Representation on ArtReview’s 2024 Power 100

ARTREVIEW POWER 100

This year’s ArtReview Power 100 list is a powerful acknowledgment of the transformative influence of African artists, curators, and thinkers on the global art landscape. From shaping postcolonial discourse to fostering thriving art ecosystems and influencing future generations, these individuals have left indelible marks on contemporary art and culture in 2024. Below, we spotlight the Africans who

Celebrating African Representation on ArtReview’s 2024 Power 100 Read More »

Nkyinkyim Museum: The Must-Visit Treasure Preserving African History and Culture in Ghana

nkyimnkyim museum

Tucked away in Nuhalenya-Ada, about two hours from Accra, is the Nkyinkyim Museum, a treasure trove of African history, art, and culture. Founded by renowned Ghanaian artist Kwame Akoto-Bamfo, the museum is a haven for storytelling through sculptures, installations, and interactive exhibits that seek to reconnect the African diaspora with their roots. But the Nkyinkyim

Nkyinkyim Museum: The Must-Visit Treasure Preserving African History and Culture in Ghana Read More »

Africa’s Stolen Treasures Are Coming Home—What Happens Next? The Future, Benefits, and Impact of Reclaimed Heritage

Asante ceremonial cap ('denkyemkye') made from antelope hide, adorned with fur, gold-covered ornaments, and cockle shells. Looted from the royal palace in Kumasi by British forces during the Anglo-Asante War (1895–96) as part of official government loot.

The movement to return looted African treasures is no longer just a symbolic gesture of reconciliation—it represents a transformative moment for the continent. With each artifact returned, African nations are reclaiming their stolen cultural identity, heritage, and pride. The year 2024 has seen a surge in the restitution of invaluable artifacts taken during colonial times,

Africa’s Stolen Treasures Are Coming Home—What Happens Next? The Future, Benefits, and Impact of Reclaimed Heritage Read More »