Art & Culture : 1‑54 Marrakech 2026, a global gathering for contemporary African art

From February 5 to 8, 2026, 1‑54 Contemporary African Art Fair transforms Marrakech into one of the most important cultural destinations in the world. Held at the iconic La Mamounia hotel and other venues across the city, 1‑54 brings together galleries, artists, collectors, curators and art lovers from Africa and beyond for four days of exhibitions, discussions and creative discovery.

Founded in 2013 by Touria El Glaoui, 1‑54 has grown into the leading international platform for contemporary African art, giving African and diasporic artists a central stage to present their work to global audiences. Over the years, the fair has expanded its footprint, with editions in London, New York and Marrakech, amplifying voices that have too often been marginalized in the global art world.

Over 67 artists will participate in the 2026 edition

According to early information from the organizers, 22 galleries and over 67 artists will participate in the 2026 edition. The works on display span multiple media — including painting, sculpture, installation, photography and multimedia — offering visitors a broad and dynamic view of contemporary visual practices. The strong presence of Moroccan galleries such as Loft Art Gallery, MCC Gallery and La Galerie 38 highlights the country’s growing influence in the region’s cultural ecosystem.

In Marrakech, 1‑54 is much more than an art fair; it is a cultural crossroads where heritage, creativity and innovation intersect. The fair is staged across several venues, including the prestigious La Mamounia and the city’s creative hub DaDa, connecting traditional spaces with cutting‑edge contemporary art. This blend of context and content reflects Marrakech’s unique identity as a meeting point between different artistic energies and global audiences.

Expanding influence and global visibility

1‑54’s reach extends beyond traditional gallery presentations. Numerous satellite exhibitions and parallel programs are organized throughout Marrakech, offering immersive experiences and expanding access to art. Individual exhibitions and curated projects enrich the fair, giving context and depth to the main presentations and enabling dialogues between local and international scenes.

This growth mirrors a broader trend: contemporary African art is gaining increased visibility on the international stage. Global art fairs, biennials and collaborative exhibitions have progressively recognized the diversity and innovation of artists from the continent, challenging entrenched narratives and opening new channels for exchange. According to The Art Newspaper and other industry sources, African art markets have shown growing engagement from collectors and institutions in recent years, signaling broader shifts in global art ecosystems. (See The Art Newspaper global art fair calendars)

Education, dialogue and public engagement

Beyond commercial exchanges, 1‑54 plays an important role as a platform for learning and intellectual exchange. Panels, talks and professional discussions are integral components of the fair, offering artists, curators, scholars and visitors opportunities to engage with issues such as cultural identity, artistic practices, post‑colonial narratives and creative economies. These conversations deepen the audience’s understanding of contemporary African art and encourage critical reflection on the forces shaping artistic production today. (See The Art Newspaper fairs reporting)

The programming also includes off‑site exhibitions and thematic showcases that complement the central fair. These projects explore experimental approaches, material innovation, and culturally rooted artistic gestures — making art more accessible to a wider public and encouraging interaction beyond the fair’s official venues.

Marrakech as a global art destination

The 2026 edition marks a turning point in consolidating Marrakech’s reputation as a reference point for contemporary African and global art. The city’s network of galleries, museums, creative spaces and international visitors contribute to an environment that supports artistic innovation and cultural exchange. The impact of the fair goes far beyond La Mamounia’s walls — it helps structure a vibrant artistic ecosystem, stimulating creation, critique and the global circulation of works.

Through 1‑54 Marrakech, Africa asserts its creative presence and ability to engage with contemporary aesthetic dialogues on the world stage, while celebrating plural cultural narratives and artistic innovation. In a moment when artistic expression is increasingly diverse and globally interconnected, the fair remains a crucial catalyst for showcasing African talents and amplifying their influence in the global contemporary art scene.