LAGOS – The first contemporary African art has been opened in Moscow, Russia, making it the first permanent space in the city that is solely dedicated to the cause. The contemporary African art would also promote cultural exchange between the two, a statement by the African art has said. The statement said that the inaugural exhibition, ‘And Behold,’ was launched by the I-A Gallery, introducing Russian audiences to the vibrant voices of African contemporary art. The exhibition features works by renowned artists Boet Nyariri (Zimbabwe) and Mulenga Mubanga (Zambia), whose art has been shown at major exhibitions and is part of private and museum collections across Africa and Europe. The statement emphasised that their works were being presented in Russia for the first time. The project was developed in collaboration with African collector Stephane Conan, with direct involvement from the artists themselves. The exhibition is curated by Dr. Yanina Dubeykovskaya, philosopher and founder of the I–A Gallery and Taisiia Konstantinova, African art historian and Director of Strategic Development at I-A Gallery. Over the coming year, the space would host exhibitions representing artists from over 12 African countries, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Namibia,Kenya, Rwanda,Tanzania, Ghana and Madagascar, among others, the statement said. Each project will be accompanied by public programs — lectures, screenings, and artist talks — fostering dialogue between African and Russian art communities. This November, the gallery would also host the Zambezi Art Residency, taking place from November 2 through 12, 2025. The program would culminate in a group exhibition. In addition, the I-A Gallery is a partner of the African Women in Art Award (AWAA) — an international award for female artists. The 2025 theme is also ‘Initiation’ inviting African women artists to reflect on coming-of-age rituals, transformation, identity, and cultural heritage. Submissions open in September 2025, with a deadline of November 1, 2025.