Cotonou a désormais son weekend d’art contemporain

C’est une première qui s’ancre dans l’écosystème des arts contemporains au Bénin. Et l’équipe initiatrice a choisi le 29 Septembre 2022, pour l’annoncer publiquement. Jusqu’au 02 Octobre 2022, Cotonou va vibrer au gré d’expositions, d’échanges, de festivités connexes lié(e)s aux arts contemporains. Un weekend partagé entre plusieurs espaces pensé pour n’être qu’un point de départ. Officiellement lancée à La Maison Rouge, dans un cadre au ton cosy, cette initiative vise à nous connecter à la teneur instructrice et aux valeurs esthétiques des arts actuels au Bénin.

Between will and spontaneity

From its inception to its implementation, this initiative defies predictions. In a Beninese context where many tensions can arise between people from the same sector; the promoters and promoters of the galleries “Borna Soglo Gallery” and “SEPTIEME Gallery”, dare to take the plunge. Driven by this desire to federate the actors of contemporary arts already existing in the field. A process that was facilitated by the immediate and effective involvement of the structures that were called upon. In fact, victory is already that: getting together to overcome the implied divisions and deconstruct the idea of antagonisms to be maintained.

Get together without dispossessing yourself of being yourself

But further, the idea of this contemporary weekend responds above all to the need to federate without interfering with the artistic line of each actor involved in the process. Constitute therefore a rallying crucible, yes. Create a framework of propulsive reciprocity designed around a common engine of vision, yes. Rely on a synergy of efforts, resources, pooled assets, yes. However, there is no question of overshadowing the specific character of each structure’s orientation, nor of undermining the uniqueness of their cultural mediation policy.

Especially since there is better to do. Like making contemporary art more physically and intellectually accessible. Like supporting the creation and sustainability of the contemporary art market in Benin. Like participating in making Cotonou a city of contemporary art in the sub-region and in the world. Like helping to make the public feel more involved in their relationship to contemporary art. Like deconstructing the idea of a closed, elitist, excluding contemporary art. Like offering free work worthy of interest and provided with meaning as well as strong sensitivities.

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