Elmarsa

Elmarsa was established in 1994 with the mission to generate interest in Arab art, inspire dialogue between cultural, social and artistic leaders, and to develop international relationships. One of the gallery’s hallmarks is its role as an informal meeting place for an international crowd of intellectual, business, and social actors. The gallery is proud to play an important role in the Arab art community by offering an opportunity to showcase, network and exchange at the regional and international level by exhibiting modern and contemporary artists from the Arab world. For over 20 years, the gallery has been committed to providing support to the immense amount of artistic talent and potential in Tunisia and the larger Middle East. As one of the most established galleries in the region, Elmarsa has contributed to the formation of a base for modern art, and has also driven new trends in exposition and collection by representing artists whose work indicates innovative directions in contemporary art. Elmarsa represents established artists and also plays a major role in supporting promising emerging artists by providing the opportunity for local talent to feature in the international art scene. It consistently presents a variety of shows featuring artists who reflect the historical and cultural diversity in the region by initiating themes such as the impact of Mediterranean, African and Arab heritage on contemporary global issues. The gallery has established an international presence through its participation in prestigious art fairs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Paris, Marrakech and Miami, and in 2015 is opening a 400sqm space in a strategic and vibrant location dedicated to art such as Al Serkal Avenue in Dubai to support growing transnational interests. This expansion addresses the diversity of international collectors and markets, and further supports Elmarsa’s pursuit of border-crossing innovation. The wide selection of cross-generational artists represented further signifies the rich contemporary art scene in the region, as well as renewed interests in modern art. As a result, the coveted inventory of works reflects the gallery’s commitment to creating a synergy between diverse cultures through artistic expression and historical context. By remaining open to aesthetic as well as market and creative trends, while also maintaining its original viewpoint, the gallery is helping to usher in a new era in art praxis and continues to operate as a leader in modern art. The gallery is situated in the heart of La Marsa, Tunisia on the Mediterranean shoreline, in the historic palace El Abdalliya Essoughra, and next to one of the oldest cafés in Tunis, Le Saf Saf, which gives its name to the picturesque square where it is located. The Roman amphitheater and Acropolium Art Center and Museum at Carthage are found just a few miles away from this beach-side, historic neighborhood, which is known as one of the most pleasant areas on the coast of Tunisia. In recent decades, La Marsa has also become a vibrant district that continues to be a gathering place for artists and intellectuals. Alternatively, the branch in Dubai will allow the gallery to engage international collectors, museum directors and curators, thus providing the artists with a greater reach and a more global audience.