The 15th edition of the African Contemporary Art Biennale faces a significant risk of postponement on May 16th due to a lack of funding. This globally renowned artistic event is held biennially in Dakar.
Over the past two days, a message has been circulating via word of mouth, originating from the biennale organizing committee. It speaks of “logistical shortcomings” and expresses “great concern” that artworks may not arrive “on time” for the biennale’s scheduled opening on May 16th. The lack of funds is cited as the primary issue.
According to a source close to the matter, the two final payments expected from the government, scheduled before the presidential election, have not been fulfilled. Of the government’s budget of 1.5 billion CFA francs (approximately 2 million euros), less than a third is currently available, as reported by a committee member.
This funding shortfall poses a significant setback for an event funded by the Senegalese government. Without this budget, essential tasks such as transporting artworks from African artists worldwide, producing a catalog, and accommodating approximately sixty artists become impossible.
With only 22 days remaining until the biennale’s opening, even if funds were eventually secured, the timeframe becomes increasingly untenable to ensure the timely arrival of artworks, particularly those transported by sea. Consequently, some advocate for postponing the biennale to November of this year.
This situation presents a significant blow to an event supported by the Senegalese government. Since its inception in 1992, the biennale has only been postponed once due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 23rd, will determine whether to postpone or proceed with the biennale. A decision is eagerly awaited from the new Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Khady Diène Gaye, who inherits the debts left by the previous government.