A Black Art Fair is an annual, multidisciplinary, 3-day exhibition dedicated to the promotion and sale of artworks by Black-Canadian artists from across the country.
Understanding the limited access to resources, representation, and a sense of community available to Black artists in the traditional gallery system, we founded A Black Art Fair as an effort to bridge these gaps and celebrate our stories. Since then, it’s become a launchpad for artists at all career stages; an avenue for curators, gallerists, and casual art lovers alike to discover new talent; and a destination for anyone looking to expand their private collections of contemporary Black-Canadian art.
It’s also one of the only events of its kind in the country. With one edition per year, A Black Art Fair strives to offer a wide range of perspectives on the experience of contemporary Black life, including ever-changing interpretations of the Black diasporic experience, professional development workshops for participating artists, public panel discussions on art-related subjects, and so much more.
Applications to show your work in A Black Art Fair are currently closed.
Early bird tickets are now available for purchase.
A Black Art Fair 2025A Black Art Fair was an incredible experience! I connected with so many collectors and community members who truly appreciated, understood, and related to my work. The event not only showcased our stories but also created a space for meaningful conversations and new opportunities. This was my first time engaging directly with art collectors in a space dedicated to celebrating Black artists. I was able to sell my first original canvas (yay!) which was a huge milestone, and I’m deeply grateful to Nia Centre for providing this platform. It gave me a chance to practice the business side of being a creative and connect with others.
Meet the Curators
Alica Hall
Alica Hall has been working at the intersection of art, communications and community development for almost two decades. In 2018, she took on the role of Executive Director at Nia Centre for the Arts. In her time at the Centre, she has curated their first Art Fair, doubled the operating budget and raised $12-million in capital funding. Her curatorial practice is driven by a desire to explore identity and power, excavate lesser-known stories and a commitment to expand visual narratives surrounding the Black experience. In 2023, Alica opened the doors of the newly renovated Nia Centre for the Arts: a 14,000 sq. ft facility serving as Canada’s first professional, multidisciplinary Black arts centre. As a leader with deep roots in the community, Alica has served on the board of Pride Toronto and currently sits on the board of The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery.
Anthony Gebrehiwot
Anthony Gebrehiwot is an award winning artist, curator and community leader whose creative lens re-visions photography as an ongoing dialogue of social change between subject and society.
Gebrehiwot seeks to communicate without language in an intimate and vulnerable way: through his art, he portrays the vocabulary of race, masculinity, history, perception, and vulnerability. Combining contrasting landscapes, Black bodies, and raw human emotion, Gebrehiwot explores the affective power of Black bodies in confronting the viewer’s humanity and empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect?
Artworks by 32 Black artists from across Canada will be on view, spanning photography, painting, sculpture, and more. Original works will be priced for a wide range of prices, with select additional prints on sale starting at $50.
A ticket gains you access to the art gallery, panels, artist talks, and more. Our weekend programming schedule is coming soon!
How much are tickets?
Early bird tickets start at $17. General admission starts on October 1st.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes, tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. Our space is wheelchair accessible. The exhibition will span two floors, and an elevator will be available for those who need it. We also have gender-neutral washrooms.
How can artists apply to show work at A Black Art Fair?
Applications for A Black Art Fair are now closed. If you’re an artist interested in staying connected with Nia Centre, check out our Artistic & Professional Development programs.
Is food and drink available on-site?
Yes, there will be snacks and refreshments on-site. We ask that visitors do not bring food or drinks into the building.
Can I leave and re-enter with my ticket?
No, our tickets do not allow for re-entry.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted into the building, but clearly-identified service animals are permitted.
Is there parking?
There is limited, free street parking in front of Nia Centre on weekends. There’s also a Green P lot at 406 Oakwood Ave, a 5-minute walk from the Centre.
Can children attend?
Yes, children are welcome to attend A Black Art Fair.
What forms of payment are accessible for artworks?
A Black Art Fair is a cashless event. We will have Square POS terminals for debit and credit purchases.
Is there a coat/bag check?
Yes, we will have a place for you to store your coats and bags.
Who can I contact for media inquiries?
Please direct all media inquiries to <info@niacentre.org>.
In The News
Black creativity on display at Toronto art fair this weekend
A visit to Ontario’s only Black art fair
Celebrating Black creativity and community through the Black Art Fair
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