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Senegal prepares for Dak'Art 2008 Biennale

The eighth edition of the Dak’Art 2008 biennial of contemporary African art gets under way on May 9. During the event Senegal will become a showcase for contemporary African art and the creativity of the continent’s artists. The presence of art professionals and enthusiasts from around the world underscores the interest generated by the Biennale of Dakar.

Since the first edition of the biennial was held in 1992, the city of Dakar has become the capital of African contemporary art. Countless artists from all over the continent gather in the city each time the event is held. It is important to note, however, that the focus of the biennial has always been on encouraging contact and an exchange of experiences between artists and professionals from around the world, rather than simply highlighting the work of African artists.

Dak'Art 2008 will present the work of artists from 17 African countries. Senegal, Cameroon, South Africa and Egypt are the most represented countries this year.

The Dak’Art 2008 programme includes an enormous variety of professional events that will be held from May 8 on.

These include the international exhibition (featuring the work of 35 artists from 17 countries), a design hall, and a series of meetings to be held during the first week of the exhibition.

The eighth edition of the Biennale of Contemporary African Art reflects a determination to continue holding international gatherings that bring together African creators and professionals with an interest in the continent and the creative output of its artists.

The Biennale of Dakar is more than just a recurring event: it has clearly emerged as a meeting place for relevant artistic projects that help promote African artists on the international stage. Cultural diversity therefore remains at the heart of the Biennale of Contemporary African Art.

‘Africa: mirror?’ is the theme for the meetings and exchanges planned for this year’s edition. Various participants have been invited to share their perception of Africa.

Opening hours

• Théodore Monod Museum (IFAN): from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; closed Sundays and public holidays.

• National Art Gallery: from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed Sundays and public holidays.

• Galerie Le Manège: from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed Sundays and public holidays.

More information and contact details

Secrétariat Général de la Biennale des Arts de Dakar
19, Avenue Hassan II (formerly Avenue Albert Sarraut)
BP 3865 Dakar RP
Dakar – Senegal

E-mail: info@biennaledakar.org

Tel: +221 33 823 09 18

Fax: +221 33 821 16 32

·         Website of the Biennale of Dakar

Source: texts – CDAN, based on information available at the website for the biennial. Photo at the top of the page: Motherhood (2005) by Ballo Mamadou, presented at the 2006 biennial.

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