In Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the third edition of the Abidjan Art Week recently concluded, showcasing the city’s growing cultural vibrancy and ambition to become a regional arts capital. The event, spanning from last Tuesday to Sunday, featured extended late-night gallery tours and introduced new venues, reflecting Abidjan’s cultural renaissance.
The Night of the Galleries, which saw over a dozen galleries and museums remain open until midnight, is a testament to the city’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene. This tradition was initially introduced during the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2024 and has since become a staple of the art week.
Since its launch, the Abidjan Art Week has expanded its reach, now including locations such as the La Rotonde des Arts in Plateau and the Adama Toungara Museum of Contemporary Cultures (MuCAT) in Abobo. Marie-Hélène Banimbadio Tusiama, a spokesperson for the event, highlighted the aim to engage with art beyond purchases, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the artist’s world.
Abidjan’s strategic location as a cultural hub in West Africa, alongside Dakar, has been bolstered by a rise in local art collectors. The MuCAT has hosted events like the Africa Foto Fair since 2022, and the Marché des Arts du Spectacle d’Abidjan, a biennial event akin to the Dakar Biennale, is scheduled for later this month.
Two years ago, a nationwide graffiti festival was established, reversing the stigma against graffiti art and allowing artists to showcase their work legally. Today, vibrant murals adorn the city’s walls, including those at the La Pyramide building and posh hotels in the Plateau district.
Organizers are aiming for sustained growth of the local art scene, independent of external validation. This year’s event featured artists from Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mali, with the number of participating galleries doubling from the previous year.
Yacouba Konaté, the founder and director of La Rotonde des Arts, emphasized the event’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, aiming to make art a more public activity. The week opened with a tribute to Simone Guirandou-N’Diaye, a pioneering art historian, and concluded with an artists workshop and a DJ set at MuCAT.
Source: The guardian
Original author: Eromo Egbejule in Abidjan
