Art in the Diaspora

10 Shows to Attend During Art Basel Week 2024

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As the art world converges in Basel, Switzerland, this June, the city will buzz with creativity and innovation. Art Basel Week 2024 promises a vibrant array of events that highlight the very best in contemporary art, design, and culture. From the iconic Messe Basel halls to intimate gallery settings, each event celebrates art’s enduring power to inspire, connect, and transform.

This year’s line-up offers a remarkable variety of exhibitions, fairs, and as well as gatherings, each providing a unique glimpse into the dynamic world of modern art. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an art enthusiast, or a curious newcomer, Art Basel Week 2024 will deliver an unparalleled experience of creativity’s transformative power.

 Sips&Beats – Art Network Africa

Art Network Africa, in partnership with Art Joburg, will host an extraordinary event during Art Basel in Switzerland. This exclusive gathering will unite a diverse group of stakeholders passionate about African contemporary art, including galleries, museums, artists, collectors, and investors. Attendees will engage in dynamic discussions, explore collaboration opportunities, and network in an informal setting, celebrating the extraordinary talent from the African continent. This immersive experience will be enriched with African culture, featuring music and artwork throughout the venue. The theme, “African Brilliance,” aims to shine a spotlight on the outstanding contributions of African artists to the global art scene.  Sips&Beats takes place at the Amber Bar Rooftop, Kasernenhof 6 4057 Basel.

This event is invite only and space is limited. If you are interested in attending, please send an e-mail to helina.bischoff@africaunlimited.xyz.

Date: June 13, 2024

 Zurich Art Weekend 2024

The 7th Edition of Zurich Art Weekend will take place from Friday, June 7th to Sunday, June 9th, 2024. This weekend-long event features over 130 curated exhibitions and events, showcasing the work of more than 180 established and emerging artists. Highlights include a new performance program featuring international artists, choreographers, performers, and dancers, alongside art walks, guided tours, artist talks, gallery breakfasts, interdisciplinary events, workshops, brunches, and cocktail parties. Free and open to the public, Zurich Art Weekend is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the international contemporary art scene. 

Date: June 7-9, 2024

 Kunstmuseum Basel

Running alongside Art Basel 2024 is the “When We See Us” exhibition, designed and organized by Zeitz MOCAA. Adapted for the Kunstmuseum Basel in collaboration with Anita Haldemann, Head of Art & Science, Deputy Director Daniel Kurjakovic, Curator Programs, and Maja Wismer, Head of Art from 1960 and Contemporary Art. During Art Basel, the Neo Muyanga Ensemble will host solos, duos, and small ensemble sessions inspired by the WWSU playlists and workshops. They will deconstruct “African Music” and explore the complex echoes between music and visual art, as well as the cross-border aesthetics contained in the sonic palette of the diaspora. The exhibition also features works from Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Ben Enwonwu, Mmapula Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi, and Chéri Samba. 

Date: May 24-Oct 6

 June Art Fair 2024

June Art Fair, known for its inventive approach and relaxed atmosphere, kicks off just before Art Basel. Held in a repurposed bunker designed by Herzog & de Meuron, this gallery-led international art fair offers a unique and intimate setting for engaging with art and artists. The fair emphasizes dialogue and collaboration, showcasing a selective group of participants. This year, June Art Fair continues to stand out with its tranquil setting beside the Landhof Community Garden, also providing a serene space amidst the busy fair week. 

Date: June 10-16, 2024

 VOLTA Basel 2024

The 19th edition of VOLTA Basel, from June 10 to 16 at Klybeck 610, will feature over 45 galleries from 24 countries. This year’s themes focus on new worldviews, fresh perspectives, and strong women, enhancing VOLTA’s key role during art week. Highlights include artists affected by conflict, such as Ukrainian photographer Bogdan Gulyay and Lebanese artist Ribal Molaeb. Notable galleries include Wunika Mukan Gallery from Nigeria and Abigail Ogilvy Gallery from the U.S., showcasing diverse and impactful works.

The new VOLTA FIRSTS section will debut young galleries like IPERCUBO, Lagos, and Odds and Ends. With 19 years of legacy, VOLTA continues to foster a community of renowned galleries and emerging talents, further making it a vital platform for discovering contemporary art. 

Date: June 10-16, 2024

 Liste Art Fair Basel 2024

Liste Art Fair Basel, established in 1996, is known for innovative and edgy presentations. This fair often features solo shows highlighting rising artists who push boundaries in new aesthetics, media, and values. Liste Art Fair includes three parts: the physical fair, Liste Showtime Online, and Liste Expedition Online. Liste Showtime, running from June 10 to June 23, also offers a digital platform for discovering the newest voices in contemporary art. The physical fair will showcase displays by 91 galleries, making it a must-visit during Basel Art Week. 

Date: June 10-16, 2024

Photo Basel 2024

Photo Basel is Switzerland’s premier international art fair dedicated to photography-based art. This year’s edition will feature a special exhibition, “Eyewitness: Kurt Wyss in Dialogue with Jean Dubuffet,” presenting the work of Basel photographer Kurt Wyss. The fair, held at Volkshaus Basel, offers a unique platform for dialogue among the photography community, with carefully curated exhibitions that include both vintage as well as contemporary photography. Beyond Photography, a section showcasing innovative photographic works, returns this year, making Photo Basel a key destination for photography enthusiasts. 

Date: June 11-16, 2024

Heritage Concept 2024

Afrinova is set to unveil the Heritage Concept 2024 ‘[W]Here Now’ Group Exhibition, featuring interdisciplinary works by 10 contemporary African and diasporic artists. This exhibit delves into the themes of memory and water, emphasizing their roles in carrying our stories, histories, and also collective futures. Curated by Kwaku Opoku and Keabetswe Boccomino, ‘[W]Here Now’ is a highlight of the Heritage Concept 2024 program during Art Basel week. It promises a series of insightful, identity-shaping events open to all. 

Dates: June 11-17

Design Miami Basel 2024

Design Miami Basel returns for its 18th edition, presenting a rich program of historic and contemporary collectible design. Hosted at the Messe Basel Convention Center, this fair is a cultural hub during Art Basel Week. The event includes a Collectors Preview and VIP Preview, followed by public show days, featuring a diverse array of design pieces that blend artistic innovation with functional elegance. 

Date: June 10-16, 2024

ABB23, Events, Unlimited VIP Opening, MC

Art Basel 2024

Art Basel stands as one of the pinnacles of contemporary art fairs, attracting serious collectors and enthusiasts from around the world. It is scheduled from June 13 to 16 with Preview Days on June 11 and 12, promises to captivate the art world with a dynamic city-wide program. Featuring over 285 leading galleries, including many first-time participants, this year’s highlights also include curated public art installations along Clarastrasse by Stefanie Hessler, a major work at Messeplatz by Agnes Denes curated by Samuel Leuenberger, and 70 large-scale installations in the Unlimited section curated by Giovanni Carmine.

The Conversations program, curated by Kimberly Bradley, will feature 25 thought leaders across 11 panels, while the Film sector, celebrating its 25th edition and curated by Filipa Ramos, will offer a unique cinema line-up. Additionally, the Kabinett sector will present 22 curated projects within the main booths. With these expanded activities and ground-breaking presentations, it is set to be a landmark event in the global art calendar. 

Date: June 13-16, 2024

Also exhibiting are South African Art Galleries: Goodman Gallery, an international contemporary art gallery with locations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, London, and New York; and also Stevenson Gallery, which has an international exhibition programme with a particular focus on the region. Founded in 2003, the gallery has spaces in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Amsterdam.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the global art scene. Join us in Basel this June to explore, engage, and be inspired by the diverse voices and visions that define contemporary art today.

Author

Derrick Chidumebi is a creative writer and growth marketer hailing from Lagos, Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Chemistry from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria, and is the founder of The Eko Place, a media/marketing agency based in Lagos, Nigeria. Currently, he serves as a writer for Art Network Africa.

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