What Went Down at A Black Art Fair

By Nia Centre, p
Posted on December 18, 2024

From Friday, November 22 through Sunday, November 24, Nia Centre for the Arts hosted our second-ever edition of A Black Art Fair, a grand and bustling multidisciplinary fair that showcased work by 26 visual artists from across the GTA and Canada, all with roots in continental Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

More than 540 community members flocked to 524 Oakwood Avenue throughout the weekend, where they were welcomed with warm appetizers, cool refreshments, all kinds of patties, and the main course: 49 artworks that spanned painting, photography, textile, collage and sculpture, each articulating the artist’s personal reflection on contemporary Black life.

We’re very proud to announce that 75% of these artworks were sold — many by artists who were selling their work for the very first time.

"A Black Art Fair exemplifies the transformative power of community and the value of Black artistic expression," says Alica Hall, Executive Director for Nia Centre and co-curator of A Black Art Fair. "This Fair wasn’t just about showcasing art — it was about creating opportunities, building connections, and fostering a culture where Black art is celebrated and sustained. We’re proud to witness artists achieving milestones, whether it’s selling their first piece or engaging with collectors for the first time, and we are committed to continuing this vital work of uplifting Black voices and visions."

Some of the artists featured in A Black Art Fair. Clockwise from left to right: Adeyemi Adegbesan, Niti Marcelle Mueth, Komi Olaf, Troydell Wallace, Toba Coker, Kamorudeen Aruna, Christiana Ceesay, Lennox Roach, Betiel Ghirmay Araia, Tamar Ellah, Jamera Dacosta, Isabelle "Ella" Loobie, Ayan Muse, Brandon Baghaee, Wayne Hanson, Héritier Bilaka, Mya Salau, Chawntay Barrett.

“The Black Art Fair was nothing short of incredible and historic,” says Anthony Gebrehiwot, an award-winning artist, community leader, and the co-curator of A Black Art Fair.

“What struck me the most was how the community really came out to support our artists, not only by being there, but by actually purchasing their work for their homes and their collections,” he continued. “It’s been a dream of mine to see Black art valued in the way that it deserves to be, and this was a really good push for realizing this vision.”

One of our primary missions at Nia Centre is to uplift Black artistic expression — something we have been doing since 2009, when the organization was first founded. And from our own research and experiences, we understand that one of the best ways you can support artists is by materially investing in their work, and offering monetary support so they can continue sustaining their artistic careers.

Co-curators Alica Hall and Anthony Gebrehiwot offering remarks at the private Friday opening of A Black Art Fair.

To help support our community in better understanding the ins and outs of investing in artists, we held an engaging Sunday panel discussion on Demystifying Art Collecting. The wide-ranging conversation, moderated by Gebrehiwot, was between creative director/curator Ashley McKenzie-Barnes, AGO assistant curator Emilie Croning (Arts of Global Africa and the Diaspora), and visual artist Komi Olaf, who exhibited two pieces at A Black Art Fair.

Afterwards, guests were encouraged to see the artwork, engage the artists to learn more about their practices, and enjoy the wine and snacks as they walked through the exhibition. In total, 37 of the 49 artworks sold, and ten of our featured artists were able to sell out all of their work.

Excitement in the room post-opening remarks at A Black Art Fair!

For Lennox Roach, a young photographer who sold all three of his prints at the Fair, the event marked a profound shift in his understanding of his own potential. For years, he created art primarily for himself, and never imagined that he may someday exhibit in galleries.

“I met so many people in the field who were eager to share their insights on future exhibitions and what they look for in artists,” says Roach. “From online friends to in-person acquaintances and even fellow gym members, the support was overwhelming, but the community-building aspect was the greatest gift. The Fair opened up a world of possibilities, giving me a platform to showcase my art and gain much-needed exposure.”

Lennox Roach and his mother posed between his three photographs, which all sold out.

Chawntay Barrett, a former Artist in Residence at Nia Centre, also arrived at her own milestone: she was able to sell her first original canvas, a painting called Tourist Information that depicts a scene she photographed in Grenada.

“It gave me a chance to practice the business side of being a creative and connect with others, since being a painter who creates from home can be isolating!” says Barrett. “I connected with so many collectors and community members who truly appreciated, understood, and related to my work. It was my first time engaging directly with art collectors in a space dedicated to celebrating Black artists.”

She continued: “I’m forever thankful for the sense of community and support that Nia Centre for the Arts creates.”

If you missed out on A Black Art Fair, don’t worry — we’re planning to host another one next year. Until then, stay tuned to our newsletter and social media channels for more information. We hope to see you there!