The third edition of Abidjan Art Week recently concluded in Côte d’Ivoire, featuring extended gallery hours, bus tours, and exhibitions across diverse neighborhoods from the administrative Plateau district to the working-class area of Abobo. The event saw a significant expansion this year, with the number of participating galleries more than doubling and featuring artists from across the continent, including Cameroon, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This growth signals Abidjan's emergence as a major contemporary art hub in West Africa, challenging Dakar’s long-standing dominance in the region. By focusing on accessibility and fostering a local collector base, organizers aim to build a sustainable art ecosystem that thrives independently of Western validation, reflecting a broader shift toward strengthening internal African art markets and institutional infrastructure.