Skip to main content

The Latitudes Podcast featuring Touria El Glaoui

-----------

Powered by: iTOO Artinsure
Supported by: BASA
Co-curated by: Art School Africa
Hosted by: Refiloe Mpakanyane

African artists don’t need a separate table. They belong at the centre of the global conversation. - Touria El Glaoui

 In this episode of the Latitudes Podcast, Refiloe Mpakanyane talks to Moroccan-born and raised Touria El Glaoui about the impact of her cultural work. As the founder of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Touria is widely celebrated as a global cultural taste maker whose work has been important in championing African art on the global art scene.  

Beyond her work with 1-54, Touria has curated and co-organised exhibitions spotlighting the likes of the work of her father, celebrated Moroccan painter, Hassan El Glaoui. She serves on the Advisory Board of Christie's Education; she holds a seat at the Scholarly Advisory Committee of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, and in 2023 she was awarded the Gold Medal in the Arts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 

Touria’s persistence has taken her around the world and helped her build an art fair that straddles three continents. That dogged attitude is apparent in this conversation; along with an intellectually curious but passionate approach to her work - which is truly inspiring.

Highlights Include:

  • How to challenge the disparity in the valuation of African art.
  • Same 1-54 but different locations: challenges and opportunities of programming for 3 different locations and continents.
  • African artists responding to the structural needs of their local art scenes.

Referenced exhibitions & institutions:

  • Tate Modern’s Africa Acquisitions Committee Catalyst Fund
  • MACAAL (Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden) in Marrakesh, Morocco
  • ArtXLagos
  • São Paulo Biennale 2025 

Chapter 2 (Connecting the Stories from the Continent) spans episodes 4-6 of Season 2 of the Latitudes Podcast, and is a regionally focused exploration of the intersections between local art scenes across the continent. Featuring insights from curators, art advisors, museum directors, and gallerists; this chapter examines curatorial themes, market positioning, and unique regional dynamics. 

The future of art from Africa is extremely bright. More institutions are paying attention, more collectors are engaged. This is only the beginning. - Touria El Glaoui

Bring your vision to life with Orms - South Africa’s home for photography, printing, and creative expression. From the latest cameras and lenses to bespoke framing, fine art printing, and décor solutions, we’re here to support creators at every stage. Whether you’re a photographer, artist, or designer, our expert team makes it effortless. Explore the possibilities at Orms, where creativity meets craftsmanship. Follow the link here.

An equitable scenario is where African artists are simply part of the global conversation: not singled out, not a trend, but an integral part of the canon. - Touria El Glaoui

About the Latitudes Podcast

Hosted by dynamic broadcast journalist and penchant for the arts Refiloe Mpakanyane, The Latitudes Podcast, which is the only podcast dedicated to contemporary African art, is an immersive and engaging platform that builds a new layer of access to the contemporary visual arts from Africa.

Season two of the Latitudes Podcast offers a dynamic, in-depth exploration of the ‘art world’ in Africa through twelve curated episodes, structured across four interconnected themes. From artists and facilitators to curators, critics, and collectors, the series unpacks the industry’s inner workings, shedding light on creative journeys, market dynamics, art criticism, and the evolving role of patrons. This podcast serves as both a resource and a platform for critical discourse, bridging regional perspectives and shaping the future art from Africa and diaspora.

About Refiloe Mpakanyane

Refiloe Mpakanyane is a broadcast journalist, with a penchant for the arts. Known for her love and support of local African literature, art and artists, Mpakanyane has an Honours Degree from the Wits School of Journalism and majored in International Relations, Media Studies and English Literature for her undergrad. Her firm grounding in the critical, analytical and creative thinking of the humanities discipline has underpinned her passion for broadcasting, leading her to delve into working not only behind the scenes in radio and television production, but in front of the camera and hosting her own radio shows as well.

About Latitudes Online

Latitudes Online is the world's leading online marketplace for art from Africa. Discover and buy artworks from over 3,000 artists and enjoy editorial from leading voices on the continent. When you buy from Latitudes Online you have peace of mind that your artwork will be safely delivered to you in perfect condition. Click here to start your collecting journey.

About iTOO Artinsure

iTOO is a collective of industry leading experts across a range of special risk insurance offerings. Art and collectables are a fast growing asset class around the world. Representing years of value that could diminish in a matter of seconds, it’s critical to take the time to insure with an expert who understands the length and breadth of the industry. Damage, an increasing rise in cultural crime and forgery can translate to serious loss in terms of your appreciating works and collectables.

About Art School Africa

This year, Latitudes has joined forces with Art School Africa to co-curate this latest season of the podcast. A registered non-profit, Art School Africa supports artists across the continent.  While Africa has a deep and complex artistic history, many  artists still struggle to access global markets - Art School Africa works to bridge this gap by providing resources, mentorship, and career opportunities.

About Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)

BASA was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative between government and the private sector, as part of a strategy to secure greater involvement in the arts from businesses operating in South Africa. Established as a Section 21 company, BASA is constituted in terms of the Companies Act, and is registered as a public benefit organisation. Its delisting as a Schedule 3 entity has seen Business and Arts South Africa NPC register for VAT. BASA is accountable to its stakeholders – the government, BASA members and the creative sector.

Further Reading In Articles

African Artist Directory

Back to top