First launched in 2016, AKAA, whose acronym stands for Also Known As Africa, positions itself as the leading fair dedicated to artists from Africa and its diaspora in France. This rendez-vous awaited by art lovers, is held annually in conjunction with a rich and dynamic cultural week in the French capital, the place to be for the art world international community.

Over the years, AKAA has remained true to its original vision, an invitation to discover artists who claim a link in their practice to the African continent. A contemporary look at these artistic scenes that goes beyond geographical borders, open to dialog, discovery and wonder without clichés or preconceptions. Thus, to accompany the artistic projects of its exhibitors, AKAA has created Les Rencontres, a cultural platform within the fair where artists, curators, thinkers, art professionals and visitors may express themselves and debate publicly. Through a rich program of conferences, screenings, performances and readings, Les Rencontres AKAA invites each and everyone to reflect on questions related to current artistic issues and the art market in Africa. For its eighth edition, the fair celebrates again the contemporary art scenes of Africa and Paris from October 20-22, 2023.

This year AKAA is highlighting curatorial practice in the context of a fair and its market. Lead by Artistic Director, Armelle Dakouo, a number of invitations have been extended to curators and artists to present projects, installations and critical pieces that question curatorial practice and the stakes it defends, enabling critical thought regarding the artist’s approach while giving them access to different types of exhibition space and thus, of expression. Curatorial practice contributes by shifting its impact, to the visibility of an artist, a scene and/or an artistic community. Curatorial practice makes a lasting contribution to the artist’s career and growth.

Curatorial Voices 2023: Carine Djuidje (Yaoundé, Cameroon), Allison Glenn (New-York, USA) Jeanne Mercier (Marseille, France), Richard Mudariki (Harare, Zimbabwe), Fahamu Pecou (Atlanta, USA) Komlan Daniel Agbenonwossi (Lome, Togo), Farrah Bencheikh (Marseille, France), Armelle Dakouo (Marseille, France)

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