The Big Art Sale: Giving Ethiopian artists a platform
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- 01 May 2023
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Sales of contemporary and modern African art have surpassed all previous records. The growing demand for modern and contemporary works by African artists is one of the most notable trends on the African art market. Global art sales grew by three percent annually to an estimated USD 67.8 billion in 2022, the second year of growth following a strong recovery in 2021 and bringing the market above its pre-pandemic level in 2019. However, the market’s premium segment remained the primary growth driver.
Africa, according to Statista, contributed USD 13 billion to the global art market in 2018, and this number is expected to increase to USD 15 billion by 2023.
In what appears to be an untapped resource in the country, Ethiopian artists’ aesthetics are influenced by a vast artistic lineage spanning centuries. And now, with the art movement taking shape and artists finding venues to exhibit their work, either in galleries or online, the sector has expanded.
The Big Art Sale is one such event that accomplishes this objective. The highly anticipated annual event for artists and art enthusiasts began on March 30, 2023, with a press conference held by its organizers at the Hilton Hotel.
What’s Out! Addis organizes the Big Art Sale in collaboration with the Hilton Addis Ababa, Coca-Cola, BGI Ethiopia, and Dashen Bank. Typically, more than 150 local artists offer their original works for sale in this entertaining and family-friendly event over the course of a weekend. The Big Art Sale began collaborating with the Hilton Hotel almost five years ago, 13 years after the beginning of their journey.
This year, it is anticipated that more than 5,000 people will attend over the two days, and more than 263 local artists will exhibit their work under one roof, compared to 150 last year. The event will be held in an open hall at the Hilton Hotel on April 8 and 9, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with more than 3000 works of art on display and for sale, with buyers having the opportunity to meet and converse with the artists.
18 years ago, only 10 to 15 artists participated in the Big Art Sale, and only 300 pieces of art were available for viewing or purchase. Today, more than 200 artists are involved, and thousands of their works are on display. Read More…
