The Dakar Biennale, or Dak'Art, is the leading event for contemporary African art, held every two years in Senegal's capital. The 16th edition, the Dakar Biennale 2026, runs from November 19 to December 19, 2026. It brings together an international exhibition, a design section and, around them, many exhibitions in the city's galleries.
Origins and meaning of the Dakar Biennale
The Biennale was created in 1989 on the initiative of the Senegalese state and the country's artists, who had been organizing salons since the 1970s. The first edition, in 1990, was devoted to literature. The 1992 edition was reserved for contemporary art. Since 1996, the Biennale has focused on contemporary African creation, according to the website Au Sénégal.
It was traditionally held in May and June. Since 2024, it has taken place at the end of the year: the 15th edition ran from November 7 to December 7, 2024, under the title “The Wake, Le Sillage.”
The 2026 edition: theme, curator and artists
The 2026 theme is “(Anti)fragility: arts of repair and strategies of backlash.” It explores fragility, repair and resilience in times of crisis.
The artistic director is Morad Montazami, a French-Iranian art historian appointed on April 15, 2026. He was curator for the Middle East and North Africa at Tate Modern in London from 2014 to 2019. The selection was presented on September 24, 2026, at the Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar.
DR Congo is the guest country of honor. The artist Faouzi Laatiris is the edition's “grand témoin” (key witness), and Serigne Mbaye Camara has been given carte blanche, according to AllAfrica. Part of the event is due to take place in the former Palais de Justice at Cap Manuel, which was being renovated in fall 2026.
The “In” and the “Off”
The Biennale works on two levels. The “In” covers the international exhibition and the official programs. The “Off” brings together exhibitions organized in parallel by galleries, cultural centers and studios, in several neighborhoods of Dakar and sometimes in other cities, such as Saint-Louis in 2016.
The Off is the way to discover the local scene. The detailed program of 2026 venues had not yet been published as of mid-October: it will be announced on the official Biennale website.
Our advice
Allow at least three days for the In and a selection of the Off. The venues are spread across the city: group your visits by neighborhood to cut down on taxi rides.
Dates and places
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Official launch | September 24, 2026, Museum of Black Civilizations |
| Youth Olympic Games in Dakar | October 31 to November 13, 2026 |
| 16th Dakar Biennale | November 19 to December 19, 2026 |
| Announced venues | former Palais de Justice at Cap Manuel, museums and galleries in Dakar |
The Biennale follows a few days after the Youth Olympic Games, held in Dakar. With both events, book your accommodation early.
Attending
Entry requirements. Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa: check your case on our Senegal entry requirements page. French passport holders do not need one for a stay of less than three months. Your passport must be valid for more than six months.
Climate. Late November and December are the dry season in Dakar, with milder temperatures than in September and October.
Tickets. The admission price for the international exhibition had not been published as of mid-October 2026. For the Off, check venue by venue.
Photos. Rules vary from one exhibition to another. Ask before photographing an artwork or an artist.
Watch out
France Diplomatie (the French foreign ministry's travel advice) places Dakar under heightened vigilance, especially the Corniche after dark, and reports a rise in thefts. After evening openings, go back by taxi rather than on foot.
Also check your own government's travel advice. For the rest of your trip, see our Senegal guide and the other festivals in Senegal.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dakar Biennale held every two years?
Yes. The latest editions took place in 2022, 2024 and 2026. The next one should therefore be held in 2028, on dates not yet announced.
How much time do you need to visit it?
It depends on your interest. Since the venues are spread out, allow several days if you want to see the In and part of the Off.
Do you need to book?
Access arrangements for 2026 had not been published as of mid-October. Do, however, book your accommodation in Dakar early, especially for the opening.
