This article was written with support of 1-54
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 the exhibition as part of the Creative Africa Nexus (Canex) programme held at the African Trade Fair (IATF). This groundbreaking collaboration, made possible through the Afreximbank Art Program (AFAP), highlights the bank's commitment to positioning culture as an important pillar of economic development.
Founded in 2013, 1-54 has become a major international art fair dedicated to Africa and its diaspora contemporary art. Named after 54 African countries, the fair is known for its international scope and commitment to defending 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 the satellite exhibition program 1-54 presentations, previously hosted in cities such as Paris and Hong Kong. 1-54 Presents offers a dedicated platform for bold projects and expands the fair's curatorial scope beyond traditional formats.
Founded in 2021, Afreximbank Art Program (AFAP) aims to support the development of Africa's visual arts ecosystem through partnerships and capacity building. At the heart of the program is the acquisition committee that guides the development of the bank's permanent collection of African and diasporic art.
Up until now, AFAP has played an important role in amplifying underrated voices across the continent. The work led to the integration of African art into international spaces, including participation in events such as the Venice Biennale.
Afreximbank's Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) initiative was launched in 2020 and supported the continent's growing creative and cultural industries through finance, market access, infrastructure and advocacy. CANEX will be held as part of the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF). It was developed in cooperation with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA). The IATF remains the largest trade and investment gathering on the continent, attracting over 35,000 participants from over 55 countries.
“Through the Canex and the Afreximbank Art program, we aim to position creative and cultural industries not only as tools of identity and storytelling, but as engines of intra-Africa trade and economic transformation.”
1-54 presents X Canex
The first edition of this year's 1-54 presentation at Canex will host a curated exhibition presented at the African Trade Fair. This collaboration sends a powerful signal. The creative economy is a central component of Africa's development strategy.
“The curation of programs within CANEX shows a bold change. Art is no longer considered a peripheral or niche sector. It is the heart of economic development and cultural diplomacy,” said Touria El Glaoui, founder of 1-54. “This partnership shows that disassembly of the silo creates an actual value chain.”
Beyond exhibitions, the program aims to create new networks across creative fields, from visual art to fashion, music, design and architecture. It represents a new approach to cultural diplomacy where creativity is woven directly into the language of trade and strategy.
“The collaboration with 1-54 represents a shared investment in narrative sovereignty. Together, we create an infrastructure that allows African creativity to be distributed on its own terms and on its own scale.”
Afreximbank's 1-54 Curated Spotlight at London:
This October, 1-54 returned to London for the 13th edition, again occupying the east, west and south wings, and was held at the iconic Somerset House. Over 50 exhibitors will present work from over 100 established emerging artists. Together with Freeze London on October 16th-19th, the fair has become a key moment in the international art calendar.
As part of this year's edition, Afreximbank is launching a curated spotlight. This is a dedicated section highlighting a new generation of artists across the continent, focusing on new voices.
“This curated spotlight at 1-54 London is the culmination of months of dialogue, alignment and shared ambition,” Elgrawi said. “It reflects a new stage in which African institutions are actively shaping their narratives and curating content.”
The existence of Afreximbank in London is an extension of its growing cultural reach through art programs that have supported visual arts, publishing and cultural programming across the continent. This illustrates significant changes not only among major cultural platforms but also among African institutions.
“Emphasising a new artistic voice is at the heart of our mission. Supporting underrated practices allows us to create a more comprehensive cultural ecosystem and deepen interregional dialogue.”
Afreximbank Art Prize:
The partnership will also launch the Afreximbank Art Prize, with the first edition awarded at 1-54 Marrakech in February 2026.
Created to support emerging talent, the award reflects a long-term commitment to Africa and its diaspora artists. More details continue, but the intention behind the award is clear and ambitious. It aims to increase visibility, mobility and resources for artists and create more sustainable career paths across the region.
“We want to use this as a catalyst,” Tulia El Grawi said. “It's not just a moment of recognition, it's a lasting step in an artist's career supported by meaningful institutions.”
“Arts Awards are a long-term investment in artistic excellence and visibility. It's not just a moment of recognition, it's a sustainable platform for emerging talent to engage with international curators, collectors and networks.”
Long-term institutional collaboration
The launch of 1-54 shows the shift in how X Canex, London's curated spotlight, and the Afreximbank Art Prize support arts and culture across Africa, stalking it into long-term institutional cooperation rather than a one-off initiative. As El Glawi points out, “The goal is to create an infrastructure that portrays a single partnership.”
Going forward, Afreximbank Art ProgrammeenVisions will provide a deeper institutional footprint, including the physical infrastructure that houses growing collections, and expand global partnerships that will increase access to Africa's arts globally. “The vision is to transform AFAP into a dynamic platform for cultural conservation, artistic innovation and public engagement.”
By bringing together the world's leading platform for the arts for African arts and one of the continent's most influential financial institutions, 1-54 and Afreximbank, we can help define what cultural leadership looks like in the 21st century.
