London’s October Art Week Showcases African Voices and Design Innovation

In an age where art fairs often blur into spectacle, London’s October Art Week 2025 offered something more grounded: cultural depth, curatorial precision, and a celebration of underrepresented voices.

From Somerset House to Berkeley Square, the city hosted a trio of dynamic events, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, PAD London, and Minor Attractions, that redefined what it means to engage with art in a global context.

At the heart of this cultural convergence was the 13th edition of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, held at Somerset House from October 16–19. Featuring over 50 exhibitors from Africa and the diaspora, the fair showcased more than 100 artists working across painting, sculpture, textiles, and performance.

As Wallpaper* noted, the fair’s founder Touria El Glaoui emphasized the importance of ensuring Africa is no longer on the periphery of the global art conversation.

Celebrating African Contemporary Voices

To walk through 1-54 is to encounter a mosaic of perspectives. Works by artists like Habib Hajallie and Souad Abdelrasoul explored themes of memory, migration, and identity, while galleries from Casablanca, Lagos, and Nairobi offered curated narratives that challenged colonial frameworks.

The fair’s Caribbean Spotlight and partnerships with Christie’s and Afreximbank added institutional weight to its mission.

As Somerset House reported, this year’s edition drew record attendance, with collectors, curators, and cultural tourists engaging deeply with the work, not just as commodities, but as conversations.

PAD London: Where Design Meets Collectability

Just a few blocks away, PAD London returned to Berkeley Square with a curated selection of contemporary design, rare 20th-century pieces, and immersive installations. The fair’s emphasis on “collectible design” offered a counterpoint to traditional art markets, blending furniture, jewellery, and sculpture into cohesive aesthetic experiences.

As Galerie Magazine highlighted, standout booths included works by Oumi by Zoé Ouvrier and digital installations by FILAFRIQUES. The fair’s integration of design and storytelling made it a magnet for interior designers, collectors, and cultural travelers seeking tactile inspiration.

Minor Attractions and the Rise of Intimate Installations

Beyond the marquee fairs, London’s art week also featured Minor Attractions, a series of pop-up exhibitions and hotel-based installations that emphasized intimacy and experimentation. These smaller venues allowed emerging artists to showcase work outside the constraints of commercial galleries, creating space for dialogue and discovery.

As Forbes reported, the synergy between these events created a citywide rhythm of engagement, drawing visitors into both grand halls and quiet corners.

Looking Ahead: London as a Cultural Compass

London’s October Art Week 2025 wasn’t just a series of events, it was a statement. It affirmed the city’s role as a cultural compass, pointing toward inclusion, innovation, and immersion. For travellers seeking more than passive observation, these fairs offered a chance to engage with art as experience, as dialogue, and as transformation.

For full schedules, artist lists, and ticketing details, visit 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair and PAD London.