About Us

Founded in 2013 by Touria El Glaoui, 1-54 is the first and only international fair dedicated to contemporary African art. With three editions per year—in London, New York and Marrakech, 1-54 is the leading global art fair committed to providing visibility to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Striving to promote a community of diverse perspectives, including evolving interpretations of the diasporic experience, 1-54 features leading international galleries specialising in contemporary African art alongside artists talks, panel discussions and a Special Projects programme. The fair’s name draws reference to the fifty-four countries that constitute the African continent.

1-54 London 2021 © Jim Winslet

“Each edition we asked ourselves: what is necessary, what can be achieved & how can it be different?”

Touria El Glaoui, Founding Director

1-54 London 2022 © Jim Winslet

1-54 Paris 2022

1-54 Paris 2022 © Michael Huard et Julia Hervouin

“Now a leading voice for African modern and contemporary art world-wide”
– The Financial Time
History:
October 2013 – 1-54 launches its first fair in London
May 2015 – 1-54 launches its first New York edition
February 2018 – 1-54 Marrakech debuts in Morocco
January 2021 – 1-54 Paris is launched as a pop-up fair in collaboration with Christie’s

May 2023 – 1-54 launches 1-54 Presents a series of curated shows.