Downtown Gallery

Downtown Gallery in Khartoum was founded in 2019 by Rahiem Shadad and his co-founder Nicole Malmadè as a prominent space for contemporary art in Sudan. The gallery quickly established itself as a hub for both emerging and established artists, bridging generational gaps and fostering a dynamic art scene. With a focus on showcasing diverse Sudanese artistic voices, Downtown Gallery became known for its curatorial exhibitions that juxtaposed traditional and contemporary artistic expressions.

The gallery's mission extended beyond commercial art displays. It was a center for artistic discourse, hosting discussions, seminars, and advocacy programs aimed at addressing social and political issues in Sudan. Downtown Gallery was instrumental in creating spaces for Sudanese artists to reflect on their experiences, particularly against the backdrop of the country’s political instability.

A significant part of its legacy is the role it played in connecting Sudanese artists with international audiences, hosting exhibitions in collaboration with institutions abroad. For instance, the "Disturbance in the Nile" exhibition in Lisbon, curated by Rahiem, was one of the gallery's landmark projects that introduced Sudanese contemporary art to a global platform.

The outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023 had a devastating effect on Downtown Gallery. Like many other cultural institutions, it was forced to close as the conflict escalated. Despite this, the gallery's influence and legacy continue to resonate, particularly through the efforts of its founder, Rahiem Shadad, who continues to promote Sudanese art from exile.