FestivalsAbidjan

Abidjan Art Week

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Founded by Yacouba Konaté, philosophy professor and director of the Rotonde des Arts. The first edition was held during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations; 14 galleries took part in 2025, and the third edition ran from 7 to 11 April 2026.

Abidjan wants to turn its post-crisis economic strength into status as a cultural centre, competing with Dakar to be West Africa's art capital.

CE QUE VOUS VERREZ · What you will see

For one week every April, galleries, foundations and art centres across the city open shows and hold talks at the same time, ending in Grand-Bassam.

POURQUOI · So what

Senegal's art world has a joke: 'Abidjan has the money, but Dakar has the taste.' Art Week is Abidjan's reply.

SAVOIR-FAIRE · How to use it

Use the joke to open a conversation about the rivalry between the two cities and you will immediately sound like an insider. Art Week is the best time to meet the whole city's art scene in one week.

Asian and European parallelsLike Art Week in Taipei or Hong Kong: one week that links up all the art venues in a city.

Where to experience itEvery April; Instagram @abjartweek.