Accra | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Product Updates | Experiences

Black Art Matters. Why we’re headed to Senegal for the African Art Bienniale in May

This week, conversations on “Blackness” and the Black Panther Party in particular have been at a fever pitch across the United States. Beginning with Beyonce’s “Formation” then Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy Performance and finally the release of Stanley Nelson’s Black Panther documentary on America’s public broadcasting network — Black History Month has been decidedly “blacker than ever”.

Kendrick Lamar’s African/African-American moment at the Grammy’s

I came across something interesting while doing my own research on the legacy of the Black Panther Party, a statement by co-founder Bobby Seale who when asked about art and social movements replied “To me, it’s all a revolutionary culture. That’s what this is about.”

I couldn’t agree more, this is why Tastemakers Africa works with African artists no matter the medium to bring about change in how Africa is experienced and why we’re headed to Dakar, Senegal in May for the 2016 African Art Bienniale (Dak’Art).

This morning I had the chance to chat with the team at Dak’Art about their vision, the artists from Africa and diasporans around the world traveling to Senegal to exhibit, and how YOU could be intrinsically connected to this experience. Malick, a member of the organizing committee who used to work for the African Burial Ground in New York City shared his passion for what their building, it’s connection to Tastemakers Africa, and his excitement in getting to meet some of you.

Senegal is already a place that is insanely beautiful and culturally rich. Kehinde Wiley, one of my favorite artists whose 2008 piece “Randerson Romualdo Cordeiro” is at the top of this message, has a studio there, Goree is iconic, Îles des Madeleines are enchanting, and the music and beaches from Dakar to Saly are out of this world. I am truly, truly excited to go and experience this country, for this moment, with some of you.

Jumping into the sea from Sarpant, the largest of the Îles des Madeleines

I’m proud to announce that those of you joining us in Senegal and Cape Verde will have insider access to the Dakar Bienniale including intimate experiences with exhibiting artists, a chance to be a part of the creation process, and of course some very special events that will blow your mind.

I wish I could share all of the special magic we’re going to create in Senegal, but that would spoil the fun. I just wanted to be sure you knew what this trip really meant to us.

There are less than 2 weeks left in our 2016 booking window and just a couple months until we touch down in Senegal. Secure your spot for Senegal and Cape Verde today. I’d hate for you to have to wait until 2018 to experience something like this.

Travel Africa, Skip Mediocre. Find Your Experience at: TastemakersAfrica.com