gallery LAB exists to offer emerging galleries and art spaces the opportunity to present and test new ideas and business models aimed at transforming the contemporary African art landscape. The 2025 gallery LAB exhibitors are as follows:
16/16
Date founded: 2016
Directors: Tushar Hathiramani
16/16 is a boutique hotel and incubator for “Friends of 16.” Throughout their 7 year history, they have invited many friends to activate the space as a centre for information exchange and learning by running programs that fit within and intersect with the practices of other friends. This has allowed us to present a new prototype that provides shelter while also orienting their community to the greater perspectives that their city offers. They have directed the space and resources towards the growth of creative ideas, businesses and ultimately ecosystems. 16/16 facilitates residencies, curate exhibitions, produce events and festivals and design policies (across the public and private sectors).
Modzi Arts Gallery
Date founded: 2019
Directors: Ba Taonga Julia Kaunda-Kaseka
Modzi Arts Gallery was established in 2019 as an interdisciplinary, not-for-profit gallery based in Lusaka, Zambia, dedicated to reframing the country’s contemporary art landscape through experimental practice, residencies, mentorship, and exhibitions. Modzi has been committing to storytelling beyond borders and to reshaping regional presence in the global art conversation.
ORA LOAPI
Date founded: 2019
Directors: Lerato Motshwarakgole
Founded in 2019 Ora Loapi facilitates the global circulation of the best in the visual arts from Botswana.
Wunika Mukan Gallery
Date founded: 2020
Directors: Wunika Mukan
Wunika Mukan Gallery, formerly known as Pacers, is a contemporary art gallery located in Lagos, Nigeria. Established in 2020 by Wunika Mukan, the gallery is committed to promoting emerging artists from Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the diaspora. The primary objective of the gallery is to provide a platform for these artists to showcase their works to both local and international audiences, thereby creating exciting opportunities for them to exhibit and critically engage with the wider art market.
Windsor Gallery
Date founded: 2022
Directors: Richard Vedelago
Windsor Gallery is a contemporary art space with locations in Abuja, Lagos, and Abidjan. Our curatorial vision is rooted in critical dialogue, cultural integrity, and bold experimentation. They serve as a platform for artists reimagining material, form, and meaning. Windsor is committed to shaping a sustainable future for African art and its global reception.
Galerie MALABO
Date founded: 2022
Directors: Arielle Baramoto-Edoumou & Joseph Archy-Mayunga
Biography: MALABO is a contemporary art gallery based in Kinshasa, DR Congo. Created in December 2020, it primarily aims to promote Congolese artists. 2025 marks its second consecutive participation at Art Joburg.
Kianda Contemporary Art Project
Date founded: 2024
Directors: Marcos Jinguba
Kianda Contemporary Art Project is a platform for emerging art, curatorship and pop art gallery, focussed on curatorial and conceptual production and the art market. It was founded with a view to providing access to curatorial work in a studio format, while at the same time mediating artistic production with the art market and system.
The Space Ethiopia
Date founded: 2023
Directors: Frehiwot Demssie
The Space Ethiopia, formerly known as Post Gallery, was founded in 2023 by Frehiwot Demissie, an art enthusiast who worked independently with artists and cultural centres for the past 10 plus years. The gallery showcases diverse contemporary art forms across the continent, solidifying Addis Ababa’s place as Africa’s capital. The Space Ethiopia is driven by the challenges of spaces for artists to showcase their works, and have exposure to the external art world. The gallery thrives to put our artists in the radar of the art world, and bring professional development programs and educational initiatives that support a vibrant arts ecosystem.
KokoTEN
Date founded: 2011
Directors: Gadi Ramadhani
KokoTEN is an independent visual arts studio and a curatorial hub founded by Gadi Ramadhani, dedicated to the research, development, and presentation of contemporary art in Tanzania. Conceived as a platform to address the gap in critical discussion about art in the region, KokoTEN aims to connect local visual arts with international productions.
kumalo | turpin
Date founded: 2025
Directors: Zanele Kumalo, MJ Turpin
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Kumalo | Turpin is a new contemporary art space dedicated to exhibiting the next generation of leading artists from the Global Majority.
With a focus on artists whose work challenges dominant narratives and reflects global concerns, the gallery presents a programme designed to amplify previously-excluded voices in today’s society.
Rangi Gallery
Date founded: 2020
Directors: Lorna Mashiba Albou
Rangi Art Gallery is a contemporary art space in Dar es Salaam, dedicated to promoting Tanzanian artists. It highlights both local and international works, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.
The gallery serves as a creative hub for exhibitions, dialogue, and artistic growth. Through programs like the Rangi Nyumbani Residency, it nurtures innovation and collaboration. Rangi plays a key role in advancing East Africa’s cultural and artistic landscape.
Forster-Gallery Zanzibar
Date founded: 2017
Directors: Markus Forster
In the heart of Zanzibar’s vibrant tourist hub, Forster Gallery provides a professional platform for artists to present their work to the world. Through our Open Studio program, we offer artists a stress-free environment to create, encouraging cultural exchange with both the local community and international visitors. We actively support artists in gaining access to international collectors, art fairs, and exhibitions.”
Citizen Projects
Date founded: 2022
Directors: AIDA ESI Hayfron-Benjamin
Citizen Projects is an exhibition, programming and curatorial presentation space in Accra, Ghana. Working with both continental African and Diaspora artists and curators to show engaging contemporary musings on art and culture.