Africa Basel: A Dedicated Platform for African Art at Art Basel 2025
Basel has long stood at the epicenter of global contemporary art. In 2025, Africa Basel made its official debut as a satellite fair, dedicated to showcasing African and Afro-diasporic art. The event, held from June 17–22, runs parallel to Art Basel week and reflects a transformative step in the global art landscape.
Curated Representation from the Continent
Co‑founded by Sven Eisenhut‑Hug and Benjamin Füglister, the fair is hosted at Basel’s historic Ackermannshof. With 18 participating galleries—including nonprofit institutions from Africa—the selection balances established art spaces and rising voices from across the continent.
Voices from the Ground: Inclusion and Mission
Odile Tevie of Ghana’s Nubuke Foundation emphasized the social mission of the fair, describing their participation as “raising funds for our work.” Similarly, Modzi Arts (Zambia) cited the platform’s commitment to visibility and structural equity in the global art market.
Expert-Led Curation Ensures Integrity
The Curatorial Board includes leading figures such as Azu Nwagbogu, Michèle Sandoz, Serge Tiroche, and Dr Greer Valley of Zeitz MOCAA. Their guidance ensures that exhibited works are curated with critical rigor and contextual depth.
Beyond the Commercial: Dialogue and Cultural Exchange
Differentiating itself from commercially driven models, Africa Basel promotes sustainability and intellectual engagement through rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and educational initiatives—positioning African art at the core of global discourse.
Why Africa Basel Matters
- Introduces a dedicated space for African contemporary art during a key moment in the art calendar
- Features emerging and nonprofit galleries, advancing accessibility and representation
- Marks a shift from token participation to systemic inclusion and institutional support
- Delivers curated programming that fosters exchange between artists, curators, and collectors
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