BROOKLYN, NY—1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair, the leading transnational fair for contemporary African art in New York, begins today. In it’s third edition, 1:54 continues to dedicate the promotion of contemporary art from a diverse set of African perspectives.

Red Hook’s Pioneer Works will house the work of over 60 artists represented by 19 galleries hailing from Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, France, Ghana, Italy, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, the U.K. and the U.S. This year 1:54 also welcomes nine new galleries in hopes of broadening and diversifying the mix of unique art on view to the public further.

The preview last night was jam packed with contemporary African art enthusiasts who soaked up the opportunities to experience the works of renowned figures, including Malick Sidibé, Ibrahim El-Salahi and William Kentridge; as well as young African artists who are changing the game such as Cheikh Ndiaye, Serge Attukwei Clottey, Mohau Mokadiseng and Derrick Adams.

1:54 continues to be a beacon of collaboration. Attendees can enjoy furniture pieces Senegalese designer Ousmane Mbaye’s signature GRAPHIK collection in the lounge near gallery entrance.

The fair also presents the opportunity to engage in conversation through their FORUM program which includes artists talks and panel discussions including Sondra Perry, Tschabalala Self, Marcia Kure and a keynote lecture by Raél Jero Salley, professor in art history at the Maryland Institute College of Art. FORUM is curated by Koyo Kouoh, artistic director of RAW Material Company, Dakar.

In the image gallery below we give you a sneak peak of what you can experience this weekend.

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1:54 NY runs Friday, May 5, through Sunday, May 7. Find out more information, check out their website here. Keeping in mind the future of contemporary African art and to build the continent's collector base, Touria El Glaoui, founding director of 1:54, tells us that 1:54 heads to Marrakech, Morocco, in 2018—stay tuned for more soon.