Cultural news is full of unmissable events highlighting Africa and its diaspora. Every month, numerous exhibitions, festivals and cultural events offer the public the opportunity to discover talented artists and captivating works. This January, here is a selection of 29 events that will delight lovers of Afro art and culture.
In Paris, the Templon gallery presents from January 6 to February 24, the exhibition “Seede” by the Senegalese painter Alioune Diagne. This series of six paintings addresses the theme of illegal migration at sea, offering a poignant look at the daily life of Senegalese fishermen and the challenges they face.
The 193 Gallery, also in Paris, is offering two exhibitions from January 6 to February 25 highlighting African artists. “The Memory of the World” by Burkinabè artist Hyacinthe Ouattara explores the notion of existence through indigo painting and fabric sculptures. As for the “Ordinary Magics” exhibition, it brings together Togolese artists paying tribute to ancestral know-how and embodied memory.
In Senegal, from January 8 to 12, the National Festival of Arts and Culture (FESNAC) takes place in the Fatick region. This 12th edition highlights Morocco as guest of honor and notably offers a conference on cultural policies in Senegal.
In Togo, the first Sokodé International Horse Festival opens its doors on January 8. This event will bring together 500 riders to celebrate the region’s equestrian tradition.
In France, at the Théâtre National de Strasbourg, from January 9 to 13, director Maêlle Poésy presents “Le iench”, a play which tells the story of an Afro-European youth in search of justice and joy.
In Benin, on January 9 and 10, Vodun Days will take place in the historic city of Ouidah. This festival pays homage to the arts, culture and spirituality of Vodou.
In Germany, in the Kunsthalle in Mainz, the Congolese artist Sammy Baloji invites twelve artists from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Europe for his initiative “Unextractable: Sammy Baloji invites”. This exhibition highlights the history of mining in Lubumbashi and encourages collaboration between artists, activists and scholars.
At the Gérard Philippe Theater in Saint-Denis, from January 10 to 21, Maêlle Poésy also presents the play “Cosmos”, inspired by a clandestine American program in the 1960s highlighting the abilities of women to conquer space.
In Burkina Faso, the 9th edition of the Soko Festival will take place from January 11 to 14 in Ouagadougou. This performing arts and live performance market offers artists the opportunity to boost their careers on an international scale.
Finally, in Paris, the Magnin-A gallery presents from January 13 the exhibition “Nou ak sa n pa wè yo” by the Haitian artist Shneider Léon Hilaire. His works, imbued with mysticism and voodoo spirituality, bring the Haitian universe into dialogue with African heritage, offering a unique representation of the doubts of our time.
This month of January is therefore full of cultural events not to be missed, offering a diversity of artistic expressions and highlighting the richness of Afro and African culture. Whether you are passionate about contemporary art, theater or music, there will be something for all tastes and sensibilities. So, don’t miss the opportunity to discover these talented artists and enrich your view of the world.