Launched by Marwan Zakhem on Ghana Independence Day, 2016, Gallery 1957 has since expanded across three gallery spaces within Accra, dedicating its programme to spearheading international exchanges between contemporary West African art practices and the rest of the world. Gallery 1957’s London space opened in October 2020. The Gallery’s impact extends beyond its physical space in Accra or London. Through its online presence and digital initiatives, the gallery reaches a wider audience, promoting African artists and their work to a global community. This commitment to accessibility and inclusivity aligns with the gallery’s mission to break down geographical and cultural barriers, creating connections and fostering a more inclusive art world.
Presenting a programme of exhibitions, installations and performances by the region’s most significant artists, Gallery 1957 bridges the gap between local and international audiences. Beyond its roster of diverse artists and exhibitions, global gallery partnerships and the establishment of the artist residency programme have welcomed many international artists and arts professionals to Ghana, encouraging them to engage further with the country’s rich contemporary art scene.
The gallery exhibits a wide range of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, and performance art. Its curatorial approach is characterised by a combination of emerging and established artists, showcasing a rich tapestry of talent and perspectives. Through its exhibitions, Gallery 1957 seeks to challenge preconceived notions of African art, expand the discourse, and facilitate dialogue between artists, scholars, collectors, and the wider public.
The gallery’s program encompasses solo and group exhibitions, featuring both local and international artists. It actively supports the careers of its artists by providing them with a platform to showcase their work, connecting them with collectors, curators, and institutions, and fostering collaborations and artistic exchanges.Gallery 1957’s work expands beyond the gallery walls through a public programme that includes fairs, talks, off-site projects and site-specific installations commissions as well as the publication of books and catalogues- continuously supporting cultural initiatives in Ghana, and beyond. In 2021, Gallery 1957 launched the Yaa Asantewaa Art Prize, the first ever dedicated art prize for women artists living and working in Africa. It aims to further strengthen our commitment to supporting and promoting emerging and established artists across Ghana and the diaspora.
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