Senegal’s Dakar Biennale gets new November start date

The highly anticipated 15th edition of the Dakar Biennale, a prestigious month-long showcase of African contemporary art, has been postponed from its original May 16th start date to November 7th.

The delay was announced by organizers on Thursday, citing a desire for “optimum conditions” as determined by Senegal’s newly elected authorities.

The event will now run until December 7th, 2024.

A statement from the Senegalese Youth, Sports, and Culture Ministry, shared on the Biennale’s social media platforms, alluded to “constraints and hazards of the national and international context” as contributing factors to the postponement.

Specific details regarding these challenges were not provided.

The announcement comes after a period of political unrest in Senegal. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected in March following a tumultuous period that saw mass protests erupt when his predecessor attempted to delay the vote.

This event threatened Senegal’s reputation as a beacon of stability in West Africa.

The Dakar Biennale is a major cultural event, attracting international attention and fostering dialogue around contemporary African art.

While the reasons for the postponement remain unclear, the delay ensures the event will take place under more favorable circumstances.

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