1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair Marrakech to be held Feb 5-8

MARRAKECH - The 7th edition of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair Marrakech will be held February 5-8 at the luxury hotel of La Mamounia in the Moroccan ochre city.

The art fair stands as a vibrant cornerstone of the global art world, spotlighting contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora in one of the continent's most culturally rich cities.

Founded in 2013 by Touria El Glaoui in London as the first international art fair dedicated exclusively to contemporary African art, 1-54 takes its name from the 54 countries that make up the African continent. 

The fair quickly expanded, launching a New York edition in 2015 and establishing its Marrakech presence in February 2018. 

This Moroccan edition coincided with the Marrakech Biennale at the time and has since grown into a key annual event, blending international exposure with deep local roots.

Marrakech's iteration is uniquely immersive. It is hosted at the iconic La Mamounia, a legendary luxury hotel blending Moroccan heritage with Art Deco elegance—recently named the world's best hotel by Condé Nast Traveller. 

The venue's opulent gardens, historic architecture, and central location in the Red City create a distinctive backdrop that merges high-end art presentation with Morocco's storied cultural landscape.

The fair has become a major draw for collectors, curators, artists, and enthusiasts. It features galleries from across Africa and beyond, showcasing painting, sculpture, photography, performance, installation, and multidisciplinary works. 

Editions typically include over 30 galleries representing more than countries, with a strong emphasis on African-based participants alongside diaspora voices.

The Marrakech edition often incorporates ambitious programming: talks, performances, special projects, and collaborations with local institutions like the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, MACAAL (Musée d’Art Contemporain Africain Al Maaden), LE 18, Institut Français, and Fondation Montresso. 

These partnerships enrich the fair with site-specific events, exhibitions, and discussions that extend into the city's medina and beyond.

1-54 Marrakech plays a vital role in amplifying underrepresented narratives, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, and supporting emerging and established artists. In a city alive with history, souks, and creative energy, the fair transforms Marrakech into a dynamic platform where contemporary African art takes center stage on the world stage. Whether you're a seasoned collector or curious explorer, attending offers an unparalleled glimpse into the vitality and diversity of African contemporary creativity.