Luanda: At least 19 artists from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Namibia will participate in the 3rd edition of the Luanda Art Fair, scheduled from June 11th to 14th this year, at the Pal¡cio de Ferro. The event, organized by cultural producer Maia Tanner, aims to promote dialogue between art, cultural heritage, and tourism through exhibitions, performances, lectures, and workshops.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the fair is themed 'Identity and Cultural Tourism: Connecting Stories, Places, and People.' It serves as a major platform for contemporary art in Angola, attracting galleries, collectives, artists, and cultural professionals from Angola and other African nations. Dominick Maia Tanner, the event organizer, noted during a press conference that the fair has expanded from seven proposals in its inaugural edition to 19 in 2026, featuring galleries, collectives, laboratory spaces, and individual exhibitions.
The fair will feature new additions, including collectives from Hula province, DRC, and Namibia, along with an exhibition by South African artist Teresa Cutala Firmino, who has Angolan roots. Tanner emphasized that the fair's goal is to strengthen the formal art market in Angola and to unite established, emerging, and innovative artists from various provinces.
Alexandra Gon§alves, representing The Art Affair gallery, advocated for making art accessible to all sectors of society, stressing the importance of inclusive cultural spaces. The gallery plans to showcase six artists, with works spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and video art. Imaculada Tchitanga from Palomino Artes highlighted their focus on cultural tourism and artistic internationalization, uniting Angolan and Cuban artists in a narrative of abstractionism and African representation.
The Luanda Art Fair remains a key platform for contemporary art in Angola, fostering collaboration among galleries, collectives, artists, and cultural professionals from Angola and neighboring African countries.