Africa Guest of HonourSince 2012, the fair has built a reputation for its exploration of international art scenes. After Asia, Art Paris Art Fair continues to shed light on new scenes by inviting Africa as guest of honour in 2017. The guest curator for this project is independent cultural consultant and curator Marie-Ann Yemsi whose mission is to promote the wealth and rich diversity of contemporary African creativity in all its variety and openness to the world. This will be done through a selection of galleries and artists from the both African continent itself and its far-reaching diaspora. A symposium, a programme of video projections and several special projects will broaden this exploration and offer an in-depth vision of the creative fertility and energy of the African continent.

Marie-Ann Yemsi, Cultural Consultant and Independent CuratorBorn in Germany to German and Cameroonian parents, Marie-Ann Yemsi is a graduate of the University of Political Sciences (Sciences Po) and holds a Master’s Degree in International relations from University Paris I La Sorbonne. In 2005, she founded her own agency, Agent Créatif(s), which has developed a renowned expertise in cultural production and art consulting with a focus on emerging artists and artistic scenes in Africa and its Diasporas. ‘African Odysseys’, her last exhibition presented at the Brass Culturel Center in Brussels (April-May 2015) drawn on history and aimed to explore its impact on contemporary life through the works of 17 artists originating from south-eastern Africa, works which had hardly ever or never been exhibited in Europe before.

Solo Show: discovering or re-discovering historic, contemporary or emerging talentsArt Paris Art Fair had worked to encourage personal exhibitions. Disseminated throughout the fair, they allow visitors to discover or rediscover of the work of a particular modern, contemporary or emerging artist. Special sponsored rates apply to “Solo Show” and a significant media campaign is designed to promote it.

Promises : supporting young galleriesThe “Promises” section is dedicated to young galleries that are under six years old. It is located in the centre of the Grand Palais and is made up of 12 promising galleries that may present up to three artists maximum. Part of their costs is covered by the fair

Monumental digital art on the façade of the Grand PalaisIn cooperation with a number of participating galleries, Art Paris Art Fair offers a unique programme of spectacular projections of digital art on the façade of the Grand Palais every evening for the duration of the fair.

Paris capital of the artsThe City of Lights is experiencing an exceptional artistic and architectural regeneration with the opening in 2017 of several new institutions and foundations. The “Springtime in Paris” VIP programme offers collectors and art professionals access to the best of what is on in Paris, with a special focus on Africa in 2017.