The vibrant capital city of Ouagadougou, located in the heart of Burkina Faso, is alive with creativity with WEKRE, an open-air exhibition that brings contemporary art closer to the community. The name WEKRE, meaning “emergence” in the Mooré language, aims to make art accessible to a wider audience and encourage cultural appreciation.
A Spotlight on International Talent
For her first international exhibition, Nigerien artist Ide Laila Halidou presents “Anomalie,” a series of three provocative works. Inspired by WEKRE, she hopes to see similar initiatives flourish in Niger. “We would love to have a space like this in Niger, and we believe it will happen. We already have cultural centers and a gallery called Taewedo,” shares Halidou.
Under the theme “I Have a Dream,” WEKRE highlights the creations of about 50 artists representing Niger, Nigeria, Togo, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire. Among them, Beninese artist Anne Marie Akplogan sees this as a unique opportunity for visibility. “It encourages young people to showcase their talent and allows ordinary people to connect with art,” she explains, reflecting on her second outdoor exhibition experience.
Connecting Art with Communities
The exhibition captivated audiences in Burkina Faso, resonating deeply with visitors like Paul Nikiéma. “We need to bring such art events to local neighborhoods and villages to inspire children and youth to engage with art,” he emphasizes.
Democratizing Art
WEKRE’s promoter, Aboubacar SANGA, envisioned a space where art could be enjoyed without barriers. “Traditional exhibition spaces can be intimidating. We wanted to create a welcoming environment to democratize art, promote education, and encourage more people to appreciate and invest in the visual arts,” he explains.
Beyond Exhibitions
Since its founding in 2020, WEKRE has been instrumental in supporting artists and developing talent. Their efforts include mentorship programs and initiatives to educate the public and government about the transformative role of visual arts in social cohesion and economic development.
Through WEKRE, art finds its way into the heart of the community, inspiring dreams and fostering connections that transcend borders.