The Dakar Biennale, a cornerstone of African contemporary art, has had its 15th iteration delayed from its original May 16 start to November, the Senegalese Ministry of Culture announced. The decision to postpone the event until November 7 through December 7 was influenced by both the national and international milieu, along with a recent change in cultural leadership, aiming to uphold the high standards of the biennale.
This rescheduling aligns with whispers of complications that had surfaced recently, suggesting that preparations for the Biennale had been impacted by the country's charged political environment. According to reports, logistical arrangements for the artwork transport had not commenced within three months of the previously planned opening at its venue, the former Palais de Justice—a historical setting since 2016.
This delay comes in the wake of the March election of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which concluded a contentious electoral period marked by significant protests and concerns over the stability of this West African nation.
Historically, the Dakar Biennale has been a pivotal event for introducing and celebrating artists from across Africa, boosting the international profiles of creators like Ibrahim Mahama, Emo de Medeiros, and Nnenna Okore. The last biennale in 2022 was notably the first in four years, following a pause due to the pandemic, and it featured an extensive lineup of over 400 satellite shows, drawing a global audience.
The theme for this year's Biennale, curated by Salimata Diop and titled "The Wake," reflects on the current political, ecological, and societal shifts, particularly focusing on the host city of Dakar. Approximately 58 artists are expected to present their works in this edition, which promises to explore these critical transformations through a diverse array of artistic expressions.
Jean Dubreil