1-54 is implementing, in collaboration with Somerset House and compliance with all national regulations, strict sanitary measures to ensure everyone’s health and security, including a one-way circuit through the fair, time-slot ticketing and VIP access system (to be pre-booked online), hand sanitiser, cleaning measures, hands free systems and limited capacity controlled at all times. Full details of the safety measures and visitor experience will be announced in September.

1-54 Online Powered by Christie’s will be an innovative online platform that enhances the programme of 1-54 by providing a virtual experience where visitors will encounter additional works displayed by participating galleries as well as highlights from the fair itself. The partnership with 1-54 demonstrates Christie’s commitment to showcasing contemporary African art to their global client base, in addition to partnering with this important fair to enhance exposure to an even greater extent internationally. Selected works from the fair will be exhibited in Christie’s King Street galleries throughout October.

Touria El Glaoui, Founding Director, 1-54, commented: “We are thrilled that 1-54 will be able to go ahead this October at our spiritual home Somerset House in London where it all began eight years ago. Following close consultation with our galleries and partners, the strength of their commitment and desire to be part of a physical fair even in these incredibly challenging times made us realise the importance of making it happen. As well as the scaled down physical fair and 1-54 Forum, we are delighted to announce an enhanced digital offer with 1-54 Online Powered by Christie’s that will enable art lovers from all over the world to see and buy works by some of the best artists from Africa and its diaspora as well as take part in interesting talks organised with Christie’s Education. We just can’t wait to welcome new faces and old friends to Somerset House in October.”

Dirk Boll, President, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Christie’s, commented: “1-54 has become a definitive moment in London’s art calendar, and we are delighted and proud to partner with this fair. Together we will provide a ground-breaking platform that allows participating galleries to showcase more artists and more artworks, thus continuing the fair’s ever-expanding capabilities for bringing the very best contemporary African art to an international audience.”

1-54 will announce a full list of galleries and 1-54 Forum programme along with booking and visitor information in September. 

Notes to Editors

About 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
With annual editions in London, New York and Marrakech, 1-54 is the leading international art fair dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Drawing reference to the fifty-four countries that constitute the African continent, 1-54 is a sustainable and dynamic platform that is engaged in contemporary dialogue and exchange. Initiated by Touria El Glaoui in 2013, October 2019 will mark its eighth consecutive edition at Somerset House, London.

About Touria El Glaoui, Founding Director of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
Touria El Glaoui is the Founding Director of the leading international art fair, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, which takes place in London, New York and Marrakech every year. Touria El Glaoui was listed amongst the 50 most powerful women in Africa by Jeune Afrique magazine in 2015, 2018 and 2019. She is Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres de la République Française since February 2020.
Born and raised in Morocco, El Glaoui completed her education in New York before beginning a career in the banking industry as a wealth management consultant. After 10 years, she relocated to London, where she initiated 1-54 in 2013. Parallel to her career, Touria has organised and co-curated exhibitions of her father’s work, Moroccan artist Hassan El Glaoui, in London and Morocco. She has spoken widely and chaired numerous discussions on contemporary African art and women in leadership at international organisations.

About Somerset House
Inspiring contemporary culture
One of the city’s most spectacular and well-loved spaces, Somerset House is a new kind of arts centre in the heart of London, designed for today’s audiences, artists and creatives – an inspirational community where contemporary culture is imagined, created and experienced.
From its 18th Century origins, Somerset House has played a central role in our society as a place where our culture and collective understanding of the world is shaped and defined. In 2000, it began its reinvention as a cultural powerhouse and home for arts and culture today, creating unique and stimulating experiences for the public, bringing them into direct contact with ideas from the greatest artists, makers and thinkers of our time. Their distinctive and dynamic year-round programme spans the contemporary arts in all its forms, from cutting-edge exhibitions and installations to annual festivals, seasonal events in the courtyard including Film4 Summer Screen, Summer Series and Skate, and an extensive learning and engagement programme.
As well as welcoming over 3 million visitors annually, Somerset House houses the largest and most diverse creative communities in the country – from one-person start-ups to successful creative enterprises including British Fashion Council, Dance Umbrella, Hofesh Shechter Company, and Dartmouth Films.
In 2016 Somerset House Studios was launched – a new experimental workspace connecting artists, makers and thinkers with audiences. Currently housing over 80 artists and Makerversity (a community of over 250 emergent makers), the Studios are a platform for the development of new creative projects and collaboration, promoting work that pushes bold ideas, engages with urgent issues and pioneers new technologies. www.somersethouse.org.uk

VIP & Press previews
10:00-20:00 Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October
1-54 Public opening hours
10:00-20:00 Saturday 10 October

Social media
Website: 1-54.com/london

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