Introduction

Dak'Art, the Biennale of Contemporary African Art, stands as Africa's oldest and most prestigious international art event, providing a vital platform for artists from the continent and its diaspora to showcase their work to a global audience. Founded in 1992 in Dakar, Senegal, this groundbreaking biennale has played a crucial role in reshaping narratives around African contemporary art and establishing a space where African artists can present their work on their own terms.

The biennale emerged during a pivotal period of cultural and political transformation across Africa, reflecting broader movements toward self-determination and the reclamation of cultural narratives. Under the supervision of the Senegalese government but with significant artistic independence, Dak'Art has evolved from a modest regional exhibition into an internationally recognized event that attracts artists, curators, critics, collectors, and art enthusiasts from around the world.

Through its thematic exhibitions, national participations, and extensive "OFF" program, Dak'Art transforms the city of Dakar into a vibrant showcase of contemporary artistic expression every two years. Beyond presenting artwork, the biennale serves as a crucial platform for critical dialogue, professional development, and cultural exchange, contributing significantly to the ongoing development of contemporary African art infrastructure and discourse.

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Latest News

Recent Edition: "The Wake – L'Éveil – Xàll wi"

The 15th edition of Dak'Art took place from November 7 to December 7, 2024, under the artistic direction of Salimata Diop. Originally scheduled for May, the biennale was postponed due to political transitions in Senegal but maintained its ambitious scope and international participation.

Titled "The Wake – L'Éveil – Le Sillage – Xàll wi," this edition explored themes of awakening and transformation across ecological, political, and spiritual dimensions. The exhibition featured 58 artists from Africa and its diaspora, presented across multiple venues including the primary location at the Ancien Palais de Justice.

Grand Prix Winner: Agnès Brezephin won the prestigious Grand Prix Léopold Sédar Senghor for her work "Fil(s) de soi(e)," highlighting the continued excellence and innovation in contemporary African artistic practice.

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Contemporary African Art Showcase

History & Evolution

The roots of Dak'Art can be traced back to the cultural vision of Senegal's first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, whose philosophy of Négritude emphasized the importance of African cultural expression and identity. While Senghor had organized the First World Festival of Black Arts in Dakar in 1966, it was not until decades later that the biennale concept would take form.

Initially conceived in 1989 as a biennale alternating between literature and art, the first edition in 1990 focused on literature, with the visual arts edition launching in 1992. After these first two iterations, the organizers made a strategic decision to focus exclusively on visual arts, recognizing the need for a dedicated platform for contemporary African visual expression.

1990

First Dak'Art biennale, focused on literature

1992

First visual arts edition launches, marking the beginning of Dak'Art as we know it today

1996

Transformation into an exhibition specifically devoted to Contemporary African Art

2006

First appointment of an artistic director, establishing a new curatorial approach

2016-2018

Simon Njami curates consecutive editions, bringing conceptual continuity

2022

14th edition "Ĩ'Ndaffa / Forger / Out of the fire" explores transformation and creativity

2024

15th edition "The Wake – L'Éveil – Xàll wi" curated by Salimata Diop explores awakening themes

2026

Next edition scheduled to continue the biennial tradition

Exhibition Venues

Dak'Art unfolds across multiple venues throughout Dakar, creating a cultural itinerary that invites visitors to explore both contemporary art and the city's diverse urban landscape. This distributed model transforms Dakar into a comprehensive exhibition space, highlighting the dialogue between artistic expression and local context.

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Historic & Contemporary Venues

Primary Venues

  • Ancien Palais de Justice - The former courthouse serves as the main exhibition site, its colonial architecture providing a powerful counterpoint to contemporary works
  • Musée des Civilisations Noires - Opened in 2018, this museum hosts major exhibitions and national pavilions with modern facilities
  • Galerie Nationale d'Art - Senegal's National Art Gallery plays a significant role in hosting official biennale exhibitions
  • Various Cultural Centers - Including Maison de la Culture Douta Seck and other spaces throughout the city

The OFF Program

A defining feature of Dak'Art is its extensive "OFF" program, comprising hundreds of independently organized exhibitions throughout Dakar. This parallel program often features more venues and artists than the official exhibition, creating a democratic and accessible platform that transforms the entire city into an art venue.

Experience Dak'Art

Experience the dynamic atmosphere of Dak'Art through this official video showcasing exhibitions, installations, and cultural events from recent editions of the biennale.

Venue Locations

Dak'Art takes place across multiple venues throughout Dakar, with the Ancien Palais de Justice serving as the primary exhibition site in recent editions.