Dakar Biennale 2024 Postponed Due to Political Unrest

The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture announces the postponement of the fifteenth edition of the Biennale of Contemporary African Art, DAK’ART to November 7 to December 7, 2024.

The decision to postpone the event to end of the year was influenced by both the national and international environment, as well as a recent change in cultural leadership aimed at maintaining the Biennale’s high standards, so the authorities. This delay is a consequence of the election of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in March, which marked the end of a controversial election period characterized by considerable protests and concerns about the stability of the West African country.

Initially scheduled for May 16 to June 16, 2024, the general theme of “The Wake“ under the artistic direction of Salimata DIOP, Art Critic and Curator, as well as the programming of the official “IN” exhibitions with the two featured countries, the United States of America and the Republic of Cabo Verde, are maintained. The edition reflects on the current political, ecological and social changes and focuses in particular on the city Dakar itself. 58 artists are expected to present their works at the official exhibition, and many more in the popular OFF exhibition. If this exhibition organized by local cultural producers and artists will still take place is not clear yet.