Dak'Art 2026

The 16th edition of the Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art (Dak'Art) is Africa's longest-running large-scale contemporary art biennale, conceived in 1989 and launched in 1990. The event features a tripartite structure: International Exhibition with 50-60 artists from Africa and its diaspora, national pavilions showcasing focused artistic scenes from African countries, and the extensive OFF program hosting hundreds of pop-up exhibitions across Dakar. The biennale transforms the entire city into a living exhibition, stretching beyond institutional walls into studios, independent spaces, beaches, and streets. It serves as a vital catalyst for artistic careers, critical discourse, and cultural exchange, drawing over 30,000 visitors to celebrate creativity and resilience. The event aims to champion contemporary African and diasporic art, providing a platform for artists to redefine global cultural narratives while fostering cultural sovereignty and empowering African artists to tell their own stories.