The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is celebrating African creativity at the 15th edition of the Biennale de Dakar, a contemporary African art event held in Dakar, Senegal. The event, which runs from November 7 to December 7, 2024, is organized under the theme “The Wake, l’éveil, le sillage, xall wi.” It brings together artists and cultural stakeholders from across the region to promote Africa’s rich visual arts heritage.
Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar FAYE officially opened the Biennale on November 7 at the Grand Théâtre National Doudou Ndiaye Coumba Rose. He highlighted culture’s role in contributing to regional GDP and emphasized its importance in socio-economic development and cultural integration across Africa.
The Dakar Biennale occurs every two years and serves as a platform for promoting artistic expression within Africa’s visual arts sector. The event aligns with ECOWAS’s cultural policy aimed at empowering the creative industry and supporting economic growth through arts and culture. ECOWAS’s involvement in Dak’Art 2024 underscores its commitment to developing cultural industries and preserving African artistic heritage.
During the event, ECOWAS awarded Dior Thiam from Senegal with the ECOWAS Integration Prize for Best Artistic Creator in West Africa. Professor Fatou SOW/SARR, Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, presented this prize. Thiam was recognized for her innovative work in African archival portraiture. The award includes 5 million CFA francs, a trophy, and a plaque.
ECOWAS continues to support projects that strengthen cultural bonds and promote peace through arts. By partnering with events like Dak’Art, ECOWAS reaffirms its dedication to nurturing the creative industry and contributing to regional socio-economic development.
Representatives from ECOWAS included Prof. Fatou SOW/SARR and Dr. Raguidissida Emile ZIDA, Head of the Culture Division.
