In the abundance of art, galleries serve as the essential curators, guiding us through the maze of creativity, ensuring that every brushstroke finds its audience and every artist their spotlight. Journeying through East Africa, home to the breathtaking savannas, you’ll find galleries that celebrate traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. With that said, here are 5 contemporary art galleries to explore within East Africa’s vibrant contemporary art scene.
1. Circle Art Gallery (Nairobi, Kenya)
No. 1 on our list of contemporary art galleries to visit in East Africa, Circle Art Gallery, founded in 2012 by Danda Jaroljmek, Arvind Vohora, and Fiona Fox, stands as a force in Nairobi’s contemporary art scene. Committed to promoting East African artists, the gallery actively provides a platform for these talents to connect with both local and international audiences. They pioneered the first white cube gallery in Nairobi and launched the Modern and Contemporary East African art auction, now a highlight of the regional art calendar.
Celebrated for its carefully curated exhibitions, the gallery explores themes of identity, history, and critical social and political issues. It features in the Art Basel and is backed by a viable network of shareholders, including Samit Gehlot of the Intex Foundation, Philip Coulson, and Tony Wainaina.
2. Afriart Gallery (Kampala, Uganda)
Heading over to Uganda, we have the Afriart Gallery. It was established in 2002 by Daudi Karungi with an aim to level the playing field for artists by offering a robust array of projects that enhance their growth and visibility.
The gallery represents a diverse range of artists whose work span various mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, tapestry and video. Some of these artists include Sungi Mlengeya, Dr. Lilian Mary Nabulime, and Sanaa Gateja.
Renowned for cultivating original expression and dialogue, it provides collectors with impactful contemporary art and thoughtful engagement. Through its compelling exhibitions and participation in international art fairs, such as the Art Basel Miami Beach, Art Paris and Cape Town Art Fair, it has played a crucial role in bringing East African art to a global audience.
3. Niyo Arts Gallery (Kigali, Rwanda)
In the heart of Rwanda, earning its spot as one of the contemporary art galleries to visit in East Africa, Niyo Arts Gallery stands out as a vibrant hub where contemporary art and African cultural art expression, such as traditional drumming and dance, intertwine. Established by Niyosenga Pacifique, the space fosters collaboration among Rwandan and African artists, promoting cultural exchange and social change. He believes art can transform lives and make a global impact.
The gallery also possesses a philantrophic facet where it assists street children, single mothers, genocide survivors, and those facing poverty. It offers them the possibility to learn how to dance, drum, sew, produce handcraft products and essentially create value with their hands.
4. Nafasi Art Space (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
Founded in 2008 by a collective of Tanzanian artists, Nafasi Art Space is a leading cultural hub in East Africa, offering artists a platform to explore new ideas and collaborate across disciplines. Located in Dar es Salaam, this vibrant gallery is home to some 20 studios mostly converted from old shipping containers. It nurtures over 50 artists through its studio spaces and offers a broad range of contemporary art, from visual arts to film, music, and performance.
Nafasi Art Space is renowned for its diverse learning and public programs. The artist residency and Nafasi Academy provide vital mentorship and opportunities for both emerging and established artists. The space regularly hosts workshops, masterclasses, and community outreach programs aimed at fostering creativity and engagement. Public events like Wikiendi Live combine art, music, and performance; while Learning Programmes like the Chap Chap offer interactive art sessions each month, introducing the public to various techniques, followed by concerts or festivals that foster artistic collaboration. Likewise, the Children’s Art Club encourages early artistic exploration both publicly and in private spaces.
With its commitment to art education, public engagement, and addressing social issues, Nafasi Art Space is a must-visit for those seeking to experience East Africa’s dynamic contemporary art scene.
5. Addis Fine Art (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
In the Land of 13 Months of Sunshine, we can find the Addis Fine Art, established in 2016 by Rakeb Sile and Mesai Haileleul. A key player in contemporary African art and possessing an additional gallery in London, it serves as a pivotal platform for artists in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa in general. The gallery connects local artistic voices with the global art scene through exhibitions and participation in major art fairs like the Liste Basel Art Fair and Expo Chicago. Similarly, in 2019, Artsy named it one of the “Most Important Young Galleries in the World”.
By bridging local narratives with international audiences, Addis Fine Art enhances visibility for African contemporary art and fosters cross-cultural dialogue.
