Afreximbank and 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair have launched their first partnership with 1-54 Presents x CANEX . For the first time, 1-54 will curate an exhibition as part of the Creative Africa Nexus CANEX programme, hosted at the Intra-African Trade Fair IATF. Made possible through the Afreximbank Art Programme AFAP, this landmark collaboration underscores the bank's commitment to positioning culture as a key pillar of economic development.
Founded in 2013, 1-54 has become the leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Named after the 54 countries in Africa, the fair is known for its international scope and commitment to championing diverse voices across the visual arts.
Each year 1-54 hosts three core editions in London,New York and Marrakech. The fair extends its reach through its satellite exhibition programme, 1-54 Presents , previously hosted in cities such as Paris and Hong Kong. 1-54 Presents offers a dedicated platform for bold projects, expanding the fair's curatorial scope beyond traditional formats.
Established in 2021, the Afreximbank Art Programme AFAP aims to support the development of Africa's visual arts ecosystem through partnerships and capacity building. Central to the programme is its Acquisitions Committee, which guides the development of the Bank's growing permanent collection of African and diasporic art.
To date, AFAP has played a critical role in amplifying underrepresented voices across the continent. Its work has led to the integration of African art into international spaces, including participation at events such as the Venice Biennale.