LSU Explores Potential International Partnership with Biennale de Dakar
LSU International Programs and the LSU College of Art & Design hosted a delegation of Senegalese government officials in February 2024, to discuss the possibility of hosting an international art event in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Biennale de Dakar (Biennal of Darkar) is one of the largest art exhibitions in Sub-Saharan Africa that takes place every two years, focusing on contemporary African art. Hosting the Biennale de Dakar in Baton Rouge would be an opportunity to bring an international community of artists to Louisiana, and give students access to cross-cultural learning outside of the classroom.
“With Louisiana’s deep cultural ties to Senegal and LSU’s expanding connection to the country, Baton Rouge could serve as an ideal location for hosting this prestigious exhibition during its off season,” said Rod Parker, interim dean of the College of Art & Design.
The guests from Senegal included: Mrs. Marieme Ba, Secretary General of the Bienniale de Dakar; Dr. Khady Ndoye, Special Advisor to the Minister of Culture; Dr. Abel Marone, specialist in American Studies and Secretary General of Sorano Theater; and Mr. Abdou Diouf Ndiaye, Agent, Bienniale de Dakar.
On February 5, 2024, the LSU College of Art & Design hosted an event to welcome the Senegalese delegation to LSU. Ba presented on the history of the Biennale de Dakar, to inform the LSU and Baton Rouge community about the potential for international visitors/tourism to Baton Rouge if the event were to be held in Louisiana in the future.
LSU Executive Vice President & Provost Roy Haggerty, Rodolphe Sambou, Consul General of France in New Orleans, and Alkis Tsolakis, professor of architecture, each spoke about the significance of the international partnership. Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome presented the Senegalese visitors with honorary plaques commemorating their visit to Louisiana.
While visiting Louisiana, the Senegalese officials toured LSU campus, visited Southern University, and explored many of the art museums and galleries in the capital region, including the LSU Museum of Art and the Baton Rouge Gallery for Contemporary Art. LSU art faculty met with the group to discuss potential cross-cultural collaborations available to LSU students.