In this episode of the Latitudes Podcast, Refiloe Mpakanyane talks to Moroccan born and raised Touria El Glaoui about the impact of her cultural work. As the founder of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Touria is widely celebrated as a global cultural taste maker whose work has been important in championing African art on the global art scene.

Beyond her work with 1-54, Touria has curated and co-organised exhibitions spotlighting the likes of the work of her father, celebrated Moroccan painter, Hassan El Glaoui. She serves on the Advisory Board of Christie's Education; she holds a seat at the Scholarly Advisory Committee of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, and in 2023 she was awarded the Gold Medal in the Arts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Touria’s persistence has taken her around the world and helped her build an art fair that straddles three continents. That dogged attitude is apparent in this conversation; along with an intellectually curious but passionate approach to her work - which is truly inspiring.

Highlights Include:

• How to challenge the disparity in the valuation of African art.
• Same 1-54 but different locations: challenges and opportunities of programming for 3 different locations and continents.
• African artists responding to the structural needs of their local art scenes.

Referenced exhibitions & institutions:

• Tate Modern’s Africa Acquisitions Committee Catalyst Fund
• MACAAL (Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden) in Marrakesh, Morocco
• ArtXLagos
• São Paulo Biennale 2025

Chapter 2 (Connecting the Stories from the Continent) spans episodes 4-6 of Season 2 of the Latitudes Podcast, and is a regionally focused exploration of the intersections between local art scenes across the continent. Featuring insights from curators, art advisors, museum directors, and gallerists; this chapter examines curatorial themes, market positioning, and unique regional dynamics.

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Supported by Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

Co-curated by Art School Africa

Hosted by Refiloe Mpakanyane