1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair has announced plans for its first African edition in Marrakech, Morocco, which will take place on February 24-25, 2018.
The art fair is launching this third location following its successful editions in London, which launched in 2013, and New York, which launched in 2015.
“This third edition of 1:54 has been in the works since our first edition in London, and we look forward to continuing to expand and support our network of galleries, artists, collectors, and partners with this new fair,” Touria El Glaoui, founding director of 1:54 art fairs, said in a statement.
“It has been an important goal of 1:54 to host an edition on the African continent, and we could not think of a better place than Morocco to host this inaugural edition outside of London and New York.”
El Glaoui, who is Moroccan-born and raised, hopes the first edition of the Marrakech fair will coincide with the 7th Marrakech Biennale, thus maximizing its appeal for collectors and art lovers alike.
Galleries, collectors, and visitors to the first edition of 1:54 in Marrakech can definitely expect a luxurious experience, as the fair will take place at the historic hotel La Mamounia.
The significance of the venue dates back to the 12th century, when its ramparts were built, while its lush 18th-century gardens were gifted to the Prince Al Mamoun.
La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco. Courtesy 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair.
The upscale palace hotel that it is today was built in 1923 and is famous for its plush Moroccan style, based on Berber and Arab-Andalusian traditions. In 2009, the hotel underwent a three-year renovation designed by the Parisian architect Jacques Garcia.
1:54 is an international art fair dedicated to promoting contemporary art from Africa and the African diaspora, as well as broaden global conversation relating to Africa. The name of the fair makes reference to the 54 countries that form Africa.
The 2017 edition of 1:54 New York will be staged at Brooklyn’s Pioneer Works on May 5-7, featuring 19 exhibitors and over 60 African and African diaspora artists. Meanwhile, the 2017 edition of 1:54 London will take place on October 5-8 at its usual venue, the (also) palatial Somerset House.