Then there’s Al Khayat Avenue, a new development poised to house around 50 arts and creative businesses in Dubai’s expanding Al Quoz arts district. Among the new arrivals is the African art specialist Efie Gallery, which opens on 8 March with a solo exhibition of new work by the Ghanaian artist El Anatsui.
‘The government is investing a huge amount of money, resources and expertise in Al Khayat Avenue,’ says Valentina Mintah, one of the gallery’s three co-founders. ‘As one of the first movers, we hope to capitalise on this investment and create a platform for collaboration and exchange between the two regions.’
Mintah cites the growing interest in West African art among collectors within the Middle East, especially Dubai, as another reason for opening there. ‘This appetite has been cultivated by institutions such as the Sharjah Art Foundation, The Africa Institute and the AKKA Project,’ she says. ‘With our focus on art from West Africa, we’re in a strong position to satiate this demand.’
Credit: Art Dubai 2022: ‘The energy in the city is palpable’ | Christie’s (christies.com)