If you want to truly feel the profundity of Africa’s unmatched creativity, there’s no better way than diving headfirst into its most revered art events. Across the continent, the spirit of contemporary African art illuminates, and its festivals, fairs, and exhibitions are recipes for more than a glimpse into the magic of their makings—they invite you to experience it fully.
Image Courtesy of FNB Art Joburg
Every one of these events tells a story. Each one is a gateway to Africa’s soul, where age-old traditions meet bold, modern visions. And the best part is that you necessarily don’t have to be an art expert to fall in love with these experiences. In this guide, we’ll explore ten of the most unforgettable art events happening across Africa's major cities in 2025, including Giza, Lagos, Accra, Marrakech, Cape Town, Abuja, Johannesburg, Benin City and Kinshasa.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
Dates: January 30 - February 2, 2025
Location: Marrakech, Morocco
The 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair returns to Marrakech early this year, bringing together leading galleries and artists from across Africa and its diaspora. This fair has gained international acclaim for its commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and facilitating connections between artists and collectors. Attendees can look forward to thought-provoking exhibitions, panel discussions with prominent figures in the art world, and site-specific installations that reflect contemporary issues facing Africa today at DaDa and la Mamounia locations.
Cape Town Art Fair
Dates: February 21-23, 2025
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Celebrated as Africa's largest international art fair, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair has established itself as a pivotal event in the global art calendar. Scheduled for February 21-23, 2025, the fair will feature over 100 exhibitors representing both established galleries and emerging artists from across the continent. Visitors can expect a dynamic program filled with curated exhibitions that explore contemporary themes in African art alongside engaging talks and performances. The fair serves not only as a marketplace but also as a cultural hub where ideas are exchanged and new narratives are formed.
Artmiabo International Art Festival
Dates: April 29 - May 1, 2025 for Abuja, and April 27 - May 1, 2025 for Lagos
Location: Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria
The Artmiabo International Art Festival (AMIAF) is set to take place from April 27 to May 1, and April 29 to May 1, 2025, in Lagos and Abuja respectively. This festival aims to redefine the global art marketplace under the theme "Artconomy," focusing on economic opportunities within the arts sector while promoting local talent. With a diverse lineup of exhibitions featuring visual arts alongside performances and workshops led by renowned artists, attendees will have ample opportunities to engage directly with creators. The festival seeks to converge with innovation, AI technology, and commerce to explore how art shapes global economies by bridging traditional art forms with dynamic advancements NFTs, to create a transformative platform for collaboration among artists, tech leaders, collectors, investors, and cultural institutions.
RMB Latitudes Art Fair
Dates: 23 - 25 May 2025
Location: Shepstone Gardens, Johannesburg, South Africa
The RMB Latitudes Art Fair is returning to Johannesburg for its third edition from 23-25 May 2025. This annual event celebrates South African innovation in the arts by showcasing contemporary art practices through curated exhibitions in a variety of mediums. The fair will transform the three-acre Shepstone Gardens into a curated, indoor-outdoor celebration of African art, featuring galleries and artists from across the continent. Visitors can explore the gardens' marble halls, secret gardens, and rooftop pavilions while enjoying a variety of programs ranging from exhibitions to talks, and more.
Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) Inaugural Exhibition
Date: May (TBA)
Location: Benin City, Nigeria
The inaugural exhibition at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is set to launch in May 2025 (exact date TBA) in Benin City. Designed by acclaimed architect David Adjaye, MOWAA represents a significant milestone for West African culture by providing a dedicated space for both traditional masterpieces and contemporary works. The opening exhibition will celebrate West Africa’s rich artistic heritage while promoting dialogue about its future directions within global contexts. MOWAA aims to provide outstanding infrastructure and programmes for the preservation, display, research, learning and exchange in arts and culture.
PANAFEST 2025
Dates: July 25 - August 3, 2025
Location: Accra, Ghana
Established in 1992, PANAFEST- the Pan African Festival of Arts & Culture, a cultural event that takes place in Ghana every two years has been a powerful reminder of the importance of unity among Africans, both on the continent and in the diaspora.
Under the theme “Reclaiming The African Family,” Panafest 2025 invites a diverse gathering of political leaders, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and cultural enthusiasts, along with world-renowned performers and artists from across the continent. The festival offers a robust program of theatrical performances, art exhibitions, music concerts, and educational workshops, providing a vibrant tapestry of African heritage and modern creativity.
Highlights for this year include the Durbar of Chiefs, the solemn Emancipation Day celebration at Assin Manso, tours of historic slave castles, and authentic cultural experiences in Kumasi. These events not only celebrate Africa’s cultural wealth but also reflect on the continent’s history, particularly the transatlantic slave trade, shimmering a spirit of remembrance and healing.
FNB Art Joburg
Dates: September 5-7, 2025
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
FNB Art Joburg stands as a premier art fair in Johannesburg, showcasing the grand endowment of contemporary African art. Since its inception in 2008, it has become a vital platform for artists, galleries, and collectors alike. The 2025 edition promises an exciting lineup featuring both established and emerging artists from the African continent. Attendees can expect curated exhibitions that provoke thought and inspire dialogue about the socio-political narratives embedded in African art. For the 2025 edition, FNB Art Joburg takes a unique hybrid approach by blending curatorial expertise with commercial innovation. The fair will be thoughtfully divided into seven specialized sections, each designed to layer something distinctive: gallery HUB, gallery LAB, MAX, GIF, ETC, AUX, and ORG.
FNB Art Joburg goes beyond its three-day fair with Open City, a dynamic city-wide initiative running from August 28 to September 11, 2025. Spanning multiple hubs across Johannesburg, Open City is all about making art and culture accessible, inclusive, and a natural part of daily life. For 16 days, the city comes alive with art, music, performances, food, and fashion, offering something new to discover every day.
ART X Lagos
Dates: 6-9, November
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
ART X Lagos continues to be West Africa's leading international art fair when it returns from November 6th to 9th, 2025. This exquisite event hones a wide range of artistic expressions from both established and emerging talents across Africa. In addition to visual arts, ART X Lagos integrates music, film, and design into its programming, creating a holistic cultural experience that reflects Nigeria's dynamic creative scene. Attendees can look forward to engaging exhibitions alongside interactive installations that invite participation. As one of the most anticipated events on Nigeria's cultural calendar, ART X Lagos is certainly one to be excited about.
Art D'Égypte
Date: October 30 - November 22
Location: Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
From October 30 to November 22, 2025, the Pyramids of Giza will once again serve as a breathtaking backdrop for Forever Is Now, the fifth edition of Art D'Égypte's internationally acclaimed exhibition. Founded by the visionary French-Egyptian curator Nadine Abdel Ghaffar, Art D'Égypte operates under Culturvator, a multidisciplinary cultural platform dedicated to bridging local and global creative industries.
This year’s event explores the theme of immortality, pointing to the enduring legacy of the Pyramids through contemporary installations and sculptures that intertwine ancient heritage with modern artistry. Over the past five years, Art D'Égypte has welcomed more than 40 international artists, creating a powerful dialogue between history and innovation.
Congo Biennale
Dates: July 16-August 30, 2025
Location: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Held biennially in Kinshasa, the Congo Biennale is one of Africa's contemporary art events gradually gaining solid momentum. Slated to run from July 16 to August 30, 2025, the 3rd edition of the Congo Biennale is preparing to be one of the largest contemporary art manifestations in DRCongo, purported to elevate the city of Kinshasa to a major artistic venue.
The biennale consistently draws attention for its bold exploration of political themes through artistic expression. Featuring works from local and international artists alike, it serves as a platform for critical engagement with issues affecting the region and beyond.
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