Introduction

The Dak'Art Biennale (Biennale de Dakar) is Africa's longest-running and most significant contemporary art event. Established in 1992 in Dakar, Senegal, it was initially conceived as a literary biennale before shifting focus exclusively to visual arts in 1996. Today, it stands as the continent's premier platform for showcasing African contemporary art and artists from the African diaspora.

As the first major biennale dedicated to contemporary African art, Dak'Art has played a crucial role in increasing international recognition of African artists while providing vital infrastructure for the growth of art ecosystems across the continent. The biennale transformed from a state-driven initiative into an internationally recognized cultural event that addresses both local concerns and global contemporary issues through the lens of African artistic expression.

Narrative & Themes

Dak'Art consistently engages with themes of African identity, decolonization, diaspora experiences, and the continent's complex relationship with globalization. The biennale often explores the tension between traditional African artistic practices and contemporary global art trends, while asserting the validity and importance of African perspectives in international art discourse.

Each edition of Dak'Art revolves around a central theme that reflects current social, political, and cultural concerns relevant to the African continent. Recent themes have addressed issues of sustainability, urban development, migration, digital transformation, and the reclamation of historical narratives. Through these thematic frameworks, the biennale creates spaces for critical dialogue about Africa's past, present, and future.

The biennale embraces a wide range of artistic media, from painting and sculpture to installation, performance, digital art, and interdisciplinary practices. This diversity reflects the richness and complexity of contemporary African artistic expression, challenging stereotypical notions of "African art" while highlighting innovative approaches that merge local traditions with global contemporary practices.

History & Context

Dak'Art emerged in the early 1990s during a period of cultural renewal in Senegal, building upon the legacy of President Léopold Sédar Senghor's promotion of culture as a pillar of national development. The establishment of a major contemporary art biennale in Dakar reflected Senegal's commitment to positioning itself as a cultural leader in post-colonial Africa.

The biennale has evolved significantly over its three-decade history, weathering financial challenges, leadership changes, and shifting cultural priorities. It has gradually expanded its international reach while maintaining its core focus on African artists, becoming a vital node in the global network of biennials and a crucial platform for launching the careers of countless African artists onto the international stage.

Exhibition Venues

Dak'Art takes place across multiple venues throughout Dakar, with the former Palais de Justice (Courthouse) serving as the main exhibition site for the official international selection. Additional venues include the National Gallery, Musée Théodore Monod, and various cultural centers throughout the city.

The "OFF" program, which runs concurrently with the official exhibition, extends the biennale's reach throughout Dakar and its suburbs, with hundreds of exhibitions in galleries, cultural spaces, and unconventional venues. This decentralized approach democratizes access to art and transforms the entire city into a vibrant cultural landscape during the biennale period.

In recent editions, the biennale has expanded to include digital platforms and virtual exhibitions, extending its reach beyond physical spaces and engaging global audiences who cannot attend in person. This hybrid approach reflects Dak'Art's commitment to innovation and accessibility while maintaining its grounding in the local context of Dakar.