Organizer Information

Organized by the General Secretariat under the Ministry of Culture, Handicrafts, and Tourism of the Republic of Senegal, the Dakar Biennale is a premier international event dedicated to contemporary visual arts. Established to support African creativity and strengthen its presence on the global market, the Biennale serves as a vital platform for artistic promotion, dissemination, and the development of African artistic thought.

Title & Description

Dak’Art 2026: Sixteenth Edition of the Biennale of Contemporary African Art.

Under the theme of fostering international dialogue, the Biennale features an official international exhibition, national pavilions, and a variety of special projects and scientific meetings. The event aims to showcase unpublished works that have not been previously exhibited or sold, emphasizing fresh perspectives from the continent and its diaspora.

Category

  • Architecture
  • Digital Arts
  • Design
  • Installation
  • Mixed Media
  • Painting
  • Performance
  • Photography
  • Sculpture
  • Sound
  • Street-art / Graffiti
  • Video art & Animation

Eligibility

  • Open exclusively to African artists and artists of the African diaspora.
  • Individual artists or collectives may apply.
  • Participants must be able to provide a passport valid until at least June 30, 2027.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Exhibition Opportunity: Selection for the official international exhibition in Dakar.
  • Logistics Support: The General Secretariat covers round-trip transport costs for artworks and insurance within Senegal.
  • Accommodation: Official invited guests receive coverage for accommodation, meals, and internal transport.
  • Awards: * Grand Prix “Léopold Sédar SENGHOR”: The top honor for the laureate of the International Exhibition.
    • Revelation Prize: For best young talent (under 35 years old).
    • Artist-Designer Prize: Awarded to the best designer in the exhibition.
    • Partner Prizes: Including awards from ECOWAS and UEMOA.

Application Fee

Participation in the selection process and the Prize is free of charge.

Application Requirements

  • Administrative: Completed application form, detailed CV, 20–25 line biography (French AND English), two passport photos, and a passport scan.
  • Artistic: Statement of intent for the project, 5 HD reproductions of recent works (dated Jan 2025 or later), and a comprehensive portfolio/press kit.
  • Technical: Detailed data sheets for each work (dimensions, weight, materials, insurance value) and a formal artist's letter of commitment regarding packaging and timelines.
  • Note: Non-compliance with any of these requirements results in automatic rejection.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted both by email to opencall2026@biennaledakar.org and by postal mail to the General Secretariat of the Dakar Biennale at: 19 Avenue Hassan II, 1er étage, BP: 3865, Dakar, Sénégal.

Key Dates

  • Application Window: April 15 – June 15, 2026.
  • Biennale Dates: November 19 – December 19, 2026.

Location

Dakar, Senegal.

Additional Details

Works selected and created on-site with Biennale funding remain the property of the State of Senegal. All selected works must remain on display until the official closing of the event. Official guests are chosen at the sole discretion of the organizers.

Contact Information