Artistic Director (Curatorial Project) – 16th Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art

Institution: Biennale de l’Art Africain Contemporain de Dakar
Deadline: 1 March 2026
Location: Dakar, Senegal

The General Secretariat of the Dakar Biennale invites international curators to submit a curatorial project for the position of Artistic Director of the 16th edition of the Biennale of Contemporary African Art, taking place from 19 November to 19 December 2026 in Dakar, Senegal.

For this edition, the Biennale seeks an original curatorial project that critically engages with current global transformations while grounding its reflection in the realities and imaginaries of the African continent. Full professional proficiency in both French and English is mandatory to ensure effective communication with artists, artistic and scientific communities, international media, and the public.

About the Institution

The Biennale of Contemporary African Art was established under the auspices of the State of Senegal, in collaboration with Senegalese artists who have organised art salons since the 1970s. Officially instituted in 1989, the Biennale has been fully dedicated to contemporary African creation since 1996. Today, it is one of the most significant visual arts events on the continent, with strong international visibility and participation from African artists, the African diaspora, and international practitioners.

The Biennale aims to promote contemporary African artistic practices, support professional exchange, foster critical discourse, and strengthen Dakar’s position as a major capital of contemporary art in Africa.

Role and Responsibilities

The Artistic Director is responsible for developing and implementing a singular curatorial vision for the 16th edition of the Biennale. Responsibilities include:

• Developing an original and personal curatorial project aligned with the mission and values of the Dakar Biennale and compliant with Senegalese laws and regulations

• Proposing the selection of artists and artworks for the official international exhibition

• Coordinating preparatory phases with the General Secretariat and the Orientation Committee

• Writing the final curatorial text presenting the artistic project

• Overseeing the production, scenography, and installation of the official exhibitions in collaboration with technical teams

• Contributing to institutional texts, the general programme, catalogue, and communication and mediation materials

• Participating in the design of related events such as openings, talks, performances, visits, and off-site programmes

• Developing mediation programmes to engage audiences and encourage critical reflection

• Coordinating the editorial production of the Biennale catalogue

• Directing and programming scientific meetings, conferences, and roundtables, and producing a written contribution

• Contributing to the overall communication and marketing strategy of the 16th edition

Profile Required

Applicants must demonstrate solid experience in artistic direction or curatorial roles. The profile includes:

• Proven experience in conceiving and organising cultural and artistic events, with an interest in mediation and communication around intellectually and pedagogically driven projects

• Strong knowledge of the professional contemporary art sector in Africa and internationally, including production and dissemination processes

• Ability to articulate and communicate a clear artistic vision, supported by broad cultural knowledge and curiosity

• A solid professional network and capacity to collaborate with artists, institutions, and key art-sector stakeholders

• Ability to balance artistic ambitions with the Biennale’s budgetary constraints

• Capacity to develop partnerships and mobilise additional resources for specific projects

• Ability to work independently, remotely, and collaboratively within a team

• Strong leadership, delegation, and project management skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French and English; additional languages are considered an asset

The mission will be carried out in Senegal. Candidates residing abroad must be able to travel as required between their country of residence and Dakar.

Selection Criteria

Candidates must submit an original and relevant curatorial project that clearly articulates its practical parameters. The project should demonstrate its connection to contemporary artistic dynamics, mediation practices, and the core mission of the Dakar Biennale. This connection may be conceptual, thematic, or territorial and must be clearly developed by the applicant.

Projects will be evaluated by the Orientation Committee of the 16th edition, composed primarily of art professionals.

This call has been translated from French. Proficiency in French and English is required; please contact the organiser if unsure.