Tosin Paul Ajayi

March 2025 witnessed pivotal moments in Black art, from groundbreaking exhibitions like "Paris Noir" at the Pompidou Center to concerning policy changes affecting cultural institutions. The art world also mourned the loss of esteemed figures such as artist Fred Eversley and Ethiopian art historian Elizabeth Giorgis.

Bantu Collective introduces the 54 Art Fair to Geelong, celebrating the artistic heritage of Africa's 54 nations. The exhibition, running from April 1 to 25 at genU Gallery, showcases a blend of traditional and modern art forms, including installations and multimedia works. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural workshops, live music, and interactive experiences that highlight the continent's rich diversity.

"Paris Noir" is a landmark exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, featuring over 350 works by 150 Black artists who lived and worked in the city from the 1950s to 2000. It shines a light on the creative influence and cultural legacy of African, Caribbean, and Afro-diasporic artists in postwar Paris.

The +234Art Fair is back for its second edition, running from March 27th to 31st, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Center (EPAC) in Victoria Island, Lagos. This year's theme, "Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art," aims to explore the transformative power of patronage in driving the growth and sustainability of Nigerian art. The fair will feature over 1,000 artworks from emerging and unrepresented Nigerian artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents to local and international audiences.​

Contemporary African art is taking the world by storm, and these five must-attend fairs and biennales are at the heart of its rise. From the global powerhouse 1-54 to the electrifying ART X Lagos, and the prestigious Dak’Art Biennale, these events showcase the best of African artistic talent. Whether you’re a collector, curator, or art enthusiast, these fairs offer an immersive experience into the dynamic world of African creativity. Dive into the highlights, past record-breaking sales, and groundbreaking exhibitions that make these events unmissable.

As part of Brands with Art, Pumangol partnered with acclaimed Angolan street artist Thó Simões to create a unique fusion of industrial design and artistic expression. Simões painted five metal drums, drawing inspiration from Pumangol’s slogan Criar Boa Energia (Creating Good Energy). Using plants to symbolize pure energy and human figures to highlight his artistic signature, the project connects sustainability with the vibrancy of Angolan culture. The transformation was documented in a video that will accompany the exhibition, showcasing Pumangol’s commitment to the arts and its role in fostering cultural engagement.

A new Art Center and Artist Residency is taking shape in Maputo’s Dona Alice neighborhood. With 2,100m² of space, the center will include exhibition halls, artist residences, a digital library, and multi-use areas. Currently 30% complete, the self-funded project aims to train 300 artists annually, promote local art and crafts internationally, and contribute to Mozambique’s creative economy. Supported by the Secretary of State for Arts and Culture, this initiative seeks to professionalize the art sector and provide sustainable income opportunities for artists.

In March 2025, Washington, D.C.’s Black Lives Matter Plaza saw the removal of its famous street mural, first commissioned in 2020 as a symbol of protest against racial injustice. The decision, influenced by congressional threats to cut federal funding, has reignited debates about the role of public art in activism. While some view it as a political concession, others see it as an opportunity for new artistic expressions in the city. Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced plans to integrate the plaza into the "America 250" initiative, encouraging new murals that reflect ongoing struggles for justice and equality.