Selma Feriani Opens Major Tunisian Gallery Space and Discusses MENA Art Scene Evolution

In 2024, Selma Feriani, a Tunisian gallerist, inaugurated a 2,500-square-meter gallery in Sidi Bou Said, ranking among Africa's largest museum-quality spaces. This venue features exhibition areas, offices, a library, storage, and a bookstore. Feriani first opened a gallery in London in 2013, showcasing MENA artists, and later established a location in Sidi Bou Said, departing from the traditional white cube format. The gallery now highlights artists from the Middle East, Latin America, and the Global South. Feriani also manages L'Atelier, a residency program in Tunisia, and observes a rise in online sales since the pandemic. The Tunisian art landscape flourishes through private initiatives, with notable festivals like Jaou and Dream City, featuring established artists such as Zineb Sedira and Nidhal Chamekh. Feriani actively participates in international art fairs, fostering global connections. This interview was featured in Canvas 117: The Maghreb Issue.