The Village des Arts is a complex of workshops covering about four hectares, set aside for artists working in a range of disciplines. The Senegalese tourism agency describes it as a place where visitors can come to see the work of the resident artists, from small pieces that make easy souvenirs to major works. Dakar has a lively contemporary art scene, with a long tradition of painting, sculpture and design that goes back to the era of the first World Festival of Negro Arts, and the Village des Arts is one of the places where that scene is most visible to an ordinary visitor. Rather than a gallery with fixed labels and prices, it is a working neighbourhood of studios, where the people who made the pieces are often nearby and happy to talk about their methods and ideas.
Expect to wander between workshops, look at works in progress and stop where something catches your eye. Styles range widely, so you may see painting on canvas and glass, wood and metal sculpture, textiles, installations and design objects. Prices are negotiated, and the best approach is the same as at any craft market in Dakar: be friendly, show real interest in the work, ask about the materials and the artist, and offer a fair price.
If you want to buy a large piece, ask about packing and shipping before you pay, and keep any receipt, because export rules for artworks can apply. The tourism agency page does not give hours, an address or any entry fee, so check with your hotel or a local guide about opening days and the best time to go, as some studios keep irregular schedules.
The village works well as a counterpart to the Soumbédioune craft village. Soumbédioune is the place for souvenirs, carvings and leather at the water's edge, while the Village des Arts is for people who want to meet artists and look more closely at contemporary work. Visiting both gives a rounded picture of Dakar's creative economy. The tourism agency suggests combining the village with Gorée Island, the Madeleine Islands, Ngor Island and the IFAN museum, which makes it a flexible addition to a day built around history and culture.
Go in the morning or early afternoon, when artists are most likely to be at work, bring small notes and a bag for purchases, and ask before photographing people or unfinished pieces. A taxi or a driver is the easiest way to arrive, and it is worth agreeing a return pickup if the studios are far from a main road. Allow an hour or two, more if you fall into conversation.
What to expect
The experience
A wander through artists' workshops, with the chance to talk to makers and buy directly from the studio.
Best time
Morning or early afternoon, when artists are most likely to be working.
How long
About one and a half hours, more if you fall into conversation.
Tips
Carry small notes, bargain politely, ask about shipping for large pieces and ask before photographing people.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Art lovers and souvenir shoppers who want something more personal than a market stall.
- Families
- Older children enjoy seeing artists at work, though the studios are not set up as a children's attraction.
- Couples
- Choose a piece together as a lasting memory of the trip.
- Pair with
- Soumbédioune, the IFAN museum and the Museum of Black Civilisations round out an art-and-culture day.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
What is the Village des Arts?+
A complex of artists' workshops of roughly four hectares, where visitors can see and buy the work of resident artists.
Is there an entry fee?+
The tourism agency page does not list fees or hours. Ask locally before you go.
Can I buy directly from artists?+
Yes, buying from the studio is the point of a visit. Prices are negotiated, so be polite and offer a fair figure.
What kinds of art will I see?+
Painting, sculpture, textiles and design are typical, though the mix depends on who is working when you visit.
Can I ship a large piece home?+
Often, but arrange it before you pay, keep the receipt and ask about any export rules for artworks.
