ABOUT MAYÌ ARTS

MAYÌ ARTS is an independent editorial and curatorial platform dedicated to Contemporary African Art.

Founded in 2019, MAYÌ ARTS documents the artists, cultural leaders, ideas and movements shaping contemporary African and diasporic art, while contributing to a living archive for the future.

Through original conversations, films, market intelligence and curatorial projects, we explore artistic practices alongside the wider ecosystems in which they exist : from galleries and institutions to collectors, cultural leaders and the art market.

At MAYÌ ARTS, we are committed to championing artists and cultural voices from the African continent and its diasporas whose practices inspire new perspectives and contribute to the narratives of contemporary art globally.

OUR APPROACH

Our approach is rooted in storytelling first, authentic relationships and research. We believe that behind every artwork lie stories, minds and memories, and that understanding an artistic practice also means engaging with the histories, experiences, economies and environments surrounding its creation.

Our bilingual approach in English and French allows us to build cultural bridges across geographies, perspectives and communities.

Working across editorial, curatorial and advisory practices, MAYÌ ARTS creates connections between artists and audiences, culture and industry. At the heart of our work is a commitment to authenticity, curiosity and quality, building meaningful relationships with artists, cultural professionals and our audiences over time.

These values are reflected in our guiding philosophy : CARE · CURATE · CREATE.

CARE
We approach artists, stories and cultural practices with attention, curiosity and responsibility.

CURATE
We bring together artists, ideas, objects and perspectives to create meaningful conversations and new ways of seeing.

CREATE
We develop original editorial formats, curatorial programs, research and cultural projects that contribute to the narratives being written today.

MAYÌ means water in Lingala and reflects our philosophy.

Like water, art is a vital source of life, renewal and creation. Water moves, connects and transforms. It carries memory while continuously creating new paths.