What you need to know about the AKAA Fair 2019

Much to our delight, this November the Also Known As Africa fair has come to chase away Paris’ clouds with, in the words of the event’s founder Victoria Mann, its “diversity, warmth and plurality”. In this article, find out everything you need to know about AKAA 2019.

AKAA in a few words

From Saturday 9th to Monday 11th November 2019, the Carreau du Temple will welcome the 4th edition of Also Known As Africa (AKAA). AKAA is the first French art fair entirely dedicated to contemporary art and design from Africa and its diasporas. Created in 2015, each year it brings together around fifty exhibitors and over a hundred artists for nearly 15,000 visitors, a testament to its success.

Africa as a common passion

AKAA exhibits works of artists who have strong ties to Africa, who live in Africa and who love Africa. This may be a result of their country of residence or birth, cultural or familial heritage, emotional or aesthetic interests and passion.

Thanks to its artistic diversity, AKAA is an opportunity for artists from all over the world, not only for those from Africa. Contrary to what its name suggests, the fair advocates contemporary art without geographical borders, where each nationality can find their place. This year, 138 artists from 40 countries (in continents such as Africa, North and South America, and Europe – like France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy – ) will be presented.

The event’s main aim is to create an intersection of views and perspectives: France’s view of Africa; the world’s view of Africa; but also and above all, Africa’s view of the world.

Meetings at conversations at AKAA

Because the African art market is still emerging, the fair also aims to inform, educate and guide. That is why AKAA UNDERGROUND was created in 2017. Open to all, this laboratory for artistic dialogue and practice promotes the exchange of ideas, conversations, and debates. It welcomes young, bold and innovative design and literature brands. Indeed, this year, you can find the Présence Africaine bookstore, CSAO ou Atelier Meraki. The Rencontres AKAA (AKAA encounters) invite artists curators, thinkers, art professionals and visitors to reflect, express themselves and publicly debate this year’s theme “Urbanity in Africa and the world”.

Finally, each year Also Known As Africa organises a monumental installation in the Temple Floor’s central nave, the fair’s hallmark. This year Congolese artist Houston Maludi, who is represented by the MAGNIN-A gallery, will take over the venue.

Hours: Saturday and Sunday 12-8pm; Mon. 12-6pm 

Prices: General admission ticket 16€; Reduced admission 10€; Free entry for those under the age of 12.

Now that you are up to speed with what you need to know about AKAA 2019, find the complete programme for the fair here.

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