Without ranking or preference, here are 10 art fairs showcasing African and Middle eastern talents
1. 1:54 Fair
This small, specialised fair is dedicated to Africa's art and diaspora. Founded by Touria El Glaoui, it helds different editions every year between NewYork-London-Paris-Marrakech. It’s an opportunity for contemporary artists and galleries from all over the African continent to showcase their talent at an international art fair dedicated to the region and its talent.
2. Art Dubai
The Middle East's top international art fair takes place in March of every Year in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Over the past 16 years, Art Dubai has cemented its role as a significant catalyst in international, local, and regional conversation concerning art in the Middle East and the surrounding areas while putting art from such territories on a global map. It has been a launch pad and a developmental platform for artists’ successful careers . Art Dubai aims to drive dialogue on contemporary art and the rich cultural heritage from the Middle East to various territories worldwide. This modern-day gallery stands out to the public as it presents works from different parts of the world, thus pushing both established and emerging art scenes to the spotlight with group and solo shows.
3. Cape Town Art Fair
The Cape Town Art Fair has been a renowned showcase of the African continent's emerging and best-established creatives . Even though it is relatively young, the fair has developed impressively to incorporate diverse works that span the continent.
4. Sharjah Biennial
The Sharjah Biennial fair is a large-scale modern art exhibition which occurs once in every two years within the city of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah Biennial remains open to the public from March 2023 to June . This exhibition occurs in Sharjah of the UAE, crossing the emirates into the sites and around the city.
5. AKAA
Being a heavyweight destination for the art world, the Also Known as Africa's Design and art fair of Paris has helped elevate African art internationally. This fair depicts stunning art from all over the continent, and many more hands on the AKAA underground incorporates a more practical aspect.
6. Lagos Photo Festival
It is the only festival that focuses on the primary in Nigeria. This festival operates for a month and incorporates various workshops, presentations, discussions, and exhibitions. During the festival, organizers transform public spaces to keep the public engaged in issues concerning Africa . What is cool about this African fair is that it unites local and foreign artists and photographers and is a community-based festival that can have a lasting effect on talented photographers in Africa.
7. Johannesburg Art Fair
It was the foremost intentional African art fair and is mostly grown to offer remarkable support to today’s artists. Annually, the fair offers a space in the continent's top galleries, artists, fans, and collectors to keep unity. With constant lecturers and talks from industry experts and artists, they serve a crucial role in helping, educating, and informing people worldwide.
8. Islamic Arts Biennale
It features more than 60 emerging and established artists from all over the world, including more than 60 newer commissions, 280 artefacts and more than 15 exhibited works never before for art work.
9. Turbine Art Fair
It is a Johannesburg-based fair that runs over a weekend in the city's center and is among the most accessible South Africa's fairs. It places a higher emphasis on newer works and works from developing artists in South Africa. It adopts a strong supporting and educational role, making it a significant counter to the nationwide calendar.
10. Abu Dhabi Art
This fair has a program that allows international and local artists to capture a larger audience and portray installations with distinguished narratives across the city and at Manarat Al Saadiyat .