With a surge of young attendees, this year's Dakar Biennale marks a cultural shift as teenagers and young adults engage with contemporary art in new ways, fueled by government encouragement and a spirit of inclusivity.
Dakar Biennale Welcomes Youth with Open Arms: Art Meets Social Media
Dakar Biennale Welcomes Youth with Open Arms: Art Meets Social Media
Senegal’s art festival reinvents itself as young people embrace contemporary art beyond elite confines, thanks to a social media culture and government support.
Reporting from Dakar’s Old Courthouse, a pivotal site for the biennale, the annual event traditionally attracts wealthy collectors and art enthusiasts, but this year it finds a new audience. Teenagers and young adults, more willing than ever to engage with contemporary art, have taken to the exhibition in droves, transforming the atmosphere.
Supported by the recent initiatives of Senegal's progressive government, this year’s installment of the Dakar Biennale is teeming with energy, as youth flock to the exhibits. They come for fun, socialization, and the chance to capture shareable moments, dressed in everything from flashy headscarves to faded soccer jerseys.
For many of these young attendees, this biennale represents a fresh experience with contemporary art. “It’s fun, it’s free, it’s beautiful and it’s so Instagrammable,” shared 17-year-old Sokna Mbene Thiam, reflecting the sentiments echoed by her peers. This has redefined the dynamic of the event, bridging the gap between art appreciation and everyday enjoyment.
As the biennale continues, it sets the stage for a more diverse dialogue about art in Senegal, illustrating how cultural events can evolve to be more inclusive. This year's influx of youth reflects not only a shift in attendance but also reimagining who art is for, making it accessible and relatable to a generation ready to engage and express their creativity in new ways.
