Contemporary Art Days in Libreville advocate for African art's role and development

The event aims to explore African creativity, its challenges, and its position within the continent's cultural dynamics. The opening ceremony was attended by diplomatic, cultural, and academic figures, including the Brazilian Ambassador to Gabon, Miguel Griesbach de Pereira Franco. A key highlight was the address by Elvira Dyangani Ose, exhibition curator and artistic director of the 2nd Abu Dhabi Public Art Biennial, who shared her perspective on contemporary African art and its future.

Rafael Chaves Beardo emphasized the diplomatic and symbolic significance of these days as a platform for reflection on contemporary artistic practices, highlighting art's role in fostering connections between people, intercultural dialogue, and the exchange of ideas. Elvira Dyangani Ose advocated for an open interpretation of contemporary African art, defining it as "everything produced within the continent, but also outside, by artists from the continent." She stressed that this art draws from African societies' history, cultural heritage, diasporic realities, and future imaginaries.

Dyangani Ose also addressed the structural challenges hindering the cultural sector's development in Africa, calling for stronger government commitment to sustainable cultural policies that support artists, structure industries, and strengthen institutions. She urged for incre