** Abidjan Art Week: a promising edition but calling for more inclusion **
Last weekend, Abidjan saw the second edition of the Abidjan Art Week, a major initiative, is intended to promote modern and contemporary art in the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire. Organized under the aegis of Professor Yakouba Konaté, this event managed to unite fourteen galleries, art centers and foundations, offering the public a diversified artistic journey. Using shuttles to connect two dedicated circuits, the event allowed many visitors to explore various works, particularly attracting a young audience eager for discoveries.
Prof. Konaté underlines a clear will: to make Abidjan a pole of art recognized at the continental and international level, like its influence in the musical and traditional field. This vision, although ambitious, raises questions about the accessibility and inclusion of various audiences in an artistic scene which, historically, has often been perceived as an elitist.
### A platform for artistic collaboration
One of the salient points of this edition was the unprecedented collaboration between the Donwahi Foundation and the Cécile Fakhoury gallery. Together, they honored the Togolese visual artist Sadikou Oukpedjo, whose work transcends borders and mediums. Oukpedjo, who was able to evolve from wood sculpture to painting, illustrates the richness and diversity of the African continent in matters of artistic expression.
The choice to present this artist in two different places embodies a desire to pool local forces in the service of creativity. An action that deserves to be praised, because it nourishes the artistic fabric of Abidjan while offering increased visibility to African artists on the world scene.
### A young and committed audience
The massive participation of young people, including those from working -class neighborhoods like Abobo, is revealing a dynamic on the move. These visitors, such as Nina Dorine Kossi, student in fine arts, not only could appreciate the diversity of works, but also had the opportunity to identify with the artists presented. This momentum aroused by Abidjan Art Week could significantly influence the future generation of artists and art critics.
However, a question persists: how to ensure that this effervescence is not limited to an audience with a well -defined economic and social scope? Structures such as the Sankoinian Cultural Center, which proposed a fashion show in Second-Hand, show an intention to engage young people in creative projects, but it remains to be seen whether these initiatives will be sufficiently supported to continue.
### to an enlargement of the audience base
So that the Abidjan Art Week can really fill its potential, an overall look at accessibility and inclusiveness of artistic events is essential. How to make young people in the smaller areas feel included not only as spectators, but also as actors of the artistic landscape? Training, scholarships or awareness workshops could constitute ways to explore to create a stronger link between emerging artists and their communities.
In addition, it would be wise to explore partnerships with schools and local institutions to encourage the visit of students and students, in order to awaken their interest in art from an early age. This could also result in reduced prices, transport initiatives or cultural mediation programs.
### Conclusion: an edition on the right track
The Abidjan Art Week, in its essence, represents a significant advance towards highlighting African art, while offering a unique collaboration platform. However, to perpetuate this momentum, it is crucial to adopt a resolutely inclusive approach, making it possible to reach a wider audience and to concretize the promise of a rich and diverse artistic future.
Through this reflection, it is clear that the path is still long, but the commitments made by the organizers of the event, allied with the active participation of young people, suggest a promising artistic future for Abidjan.