Join us for a celebration of contemporary Black art featuring 34 artists from Africa and its diaspora. This pop-up exhibition offers a preview of AMOCA’s curatorial vision ahead of the museum’s permanent opening in 2026.
AMOCA, the Artistic Museum of Contemporary Art, proudly announces its prelaunch on June 4, 2025 with a pop-up exhibition at the historic Marble Hall, built in 1938 as the heart of Wales’ Temple of Peace. AMOCA’s permanent home is set to open in central Cardiff in 2026.
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Inaugural Exhibition – AMOCA Dialogues: Black Voices from the Museum Collection
The exhibition features 34 contemporary artists who are reshaping the global art discourse and challenging conventional narratives. This curated selection celebrates the richness and diversity of Black artistic expression from Africa and its diaspora.
Spanning various media and expressions, the works collectively offer a panoramic view of Black contemporary art — reclaiming narratives, expanding visibility, and reflecting on identity, history, and shared experience. The exhibition centers voices that have long been underrepresented in Western art institutions.
A Vision for Wales and Beyond
AMOCA is envisioned as a cultural hub for Cardiff, Wales, and the wider world. The museum seeks to foster dialogue through contemporary art, sparking conversations around society and culture.
As a privately funded, non-profit institution, AMOCA is committed to public engagement through artist residencies, youth workshops, talks, and outreach to underserved communities. Its founding team is a collective of art lovers, curators, and professionals passionate about broadening access to contemporary art.
“AMOCA will offer a meeting place for innovative, contemporary art. Based in Cardiff, Wales, AMOCA will through unprecedented collaborations with international curators and artists at the forefront of their practices further enhance the public’s appreciation of art.”
Mr Anders Hedlund: From Learning Advocacy to Contemporary Art
AMOCA’s co-founder, Cardiff-based philanthropist and Swedish-born entrepreneur Anders Hedlund, brings a lifelong commitment to social impact.
He is best known for founding the global company IG Design Group and for his dedication to supporting individuals with learning difficulties. Having personally experienced dyslexia — Hedlund established the Tomorrow’s Generation Trust in 1999 in Cardiff, and its after-school and learning programs TG Learning Centre in Lisvane in 2014.
His passion for empowerment through learning is mirrored in AMOCA’s mission to enrich lives through inclusive cultural experiences. Part of his private art collection—developed over three decades—forms the cornerstone of AMOCA’s opening exhibitions.
“Our vision is to enrich the cultural landscape by showcasing art and perspectives that have often been overlooked. We hope to spark new enthusiasm, curiosity, and dialogue around art in all its forms,” says Hedlund.
Exhibition and Opening Celebrations
AMOCA Dialogues: Black Voices from the Museum Collection runs from June 4–14, 2025. Several artists will attend the opening alongside Rakeb Sile, co-founder of Addis Fine Art, a leading gallery championing contemporary African artists.
Featured artists include:
- Tesfaye Urgessa
- Amoako Boafo
- Merikokeb Berhanu,
- Ferrari Sheppard,
- Slawn,
- Alexandre Diop,
- Khari Turner,
- Marcus Jansen,
- Carmen Neely,
- Deborah Segun,
- Esiri Erheriene-Essi,
- Jonathan Lyndon Chase,
- Nate Lewis,
- Omar Ba,
- Tunji Adeniyi-Jones,
- Anya Paintsil
- and many other talents.
For press inquiries, interviews, and further information, please contact: Roland-Philippe Kretzschmar – rpk@amoca.wales
