The 1-54 Art Fair Brings Africa and Its Diaspora Into the Global Mainstream

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.

Touria El Glaoui is the founding director of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, which is held every year in London, New York City and Marrakesh. The daughter of a Moroccan artist father and a French mother, El Glaoui was working in telecommunication sales when she founded the fair to give voice…