As we step into 2025, the African art scene is bursting with energy, creativity, and diverse narratives. Major cities around the world will host a variety of art fairs, exhibitions, and cultural events that celebrate the richness of African art. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most significant events showcasing African art throughout the year.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair - Marrakech
Dates: January 30 - February 2, 2025
Location: La Mamounia and DaDa, Marrakech, Morocco
The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair returns to Marrakech for its sixth edition, featuring over 30 exhibitors from 14 countries. This fair serves as a vital platform for showcasing contemporary African art, with a focus on fostering dialogue and cultural exchange.
Investec Cape Town Art Fair
Dates: February 21 - 23, 2025
Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
As the largest international art fair on the continent, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair will celebrate its 12th edition in 2025. Expect over 100 exhibitors showcasing hundreds of artists from across Africa and beyond, with a rich program of talks and special projects.
London Art Fair
Dates: January 22 - 26, 2025
Location: Business Design Centre, Islington, London, UK
The London Art Fair kicks off the art calendar with a focus on modern and contemporary art. This year’s edition will feature leading galleries from around the globe and is expected to highlight significant works from African artists.
ART X Lagos
Dates: November (specific dates TBA) 2025
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
West Africa's premier international art fair continues to be a cornerstone of the African art sector. ART X Lagos showcases artists and galleries from across the continent and beyond, offering immersive experiences that span music, film, design, and visual arts.
Frieze London
Dates: October (specific dates TBA) 2025
Location: Regent’s Park, London, UK
Frieze London is one of the most significant contemporary art fairs globally. In recent years, it has increasingly featured African artists and galleries, making it a key event for anyone interested in contemporary African art.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Arts of Africa Galleries Reopening
Date: May 31, 2025
Location: New York City, USA
The Met will unveil its newly renovated galleries dedicated to the Arts of Africa. This reopening will feature approximately 500 works from sub-Saharan Africa and aims to enhance the understanding of African artistic traditions.
Made in Africa International Exhibition
Dates: May 16 - 17, 2025
Location: Toronto, Canada
This exhibition celebrates African creativity across various disciplines including fashion and visual arts. It provides a platform for artists and designers to showcase their work while promoting cultural exchange.
Black History 365 Cultural Commissions
Dates: Various events from September 2024 to May 2025
Location: Wandsworth, London, UK
As part of Wandsworth's London Borough of Culture program for 2025, this series of events celebrates African and Caribbean history through exhibitions and performances that highlight cultural contributions.
Iba N'Diaye: Between Latitude and Longitude Exhibition
Dates: May 31, 2025 - May 31, 2026
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, USA
This exhibition reassesses the legacy of Iba N'Diaye, a foundational figure in African Modernist painting. It aims to provide insights into his influence on contemporary practices.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair - London Edition
Dates: October 10 - 13, 2025
Location: Somerset House, London, UK
The flagship edition of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair will return to London in October. This event is designed to promote art from Africa and its diaspora and will feature over 60 galleries representing more than 20 countries. It promises an expansive selection of contemporary artworks across various mediums.
Art Dubai
Dates: April 18 - 20, 2025 (Previews on April 16 - 17)
Location: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Art Dubai is the most significant global art gathering in the Middle East. The upcoming edition will bring together over 100 galleries from more than 50 cities worldwide. The fair will spotlight regional and digital innovations while welcoming first-time participants and showcasing artists from Africa and beyond.
These events offer diverse opportunities to engage with African art throughout 2025, from major museum exhibitions to international art fairs. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer exploring this vibrant realm for the first time, these showcases promise unforgettable experiences and insights into the dynamic world of African creativity. As these events unfold across major cities worldwide, they will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the future narrative of contemporary African art on the global stage.