Espace Artcanes FR

About

Artcanes is a space dedicated to contemporary art, conceived as a cultural crossroads where artists, enthusiasts and professionals meet to exchange and collaborate. Founded by the collector Abdoulaye Racine Kane, it aims to be a hub for artistic creation, production, presentation and promotion.

A place with a history

Located in Toundoup Rya, in the Lebou district of Yoff in Dakar, the space grew out of the restoration of a historic site once used by the Lebou community for ritual ceremonies and offerings. It was inaugurated during the 2024 Dakar Biennale with the group show Trames Créatives, bringing together Senegalese and Moroccan artists.

Mission

To support artists throughout their careers, young talents and established creators alike, by offering a place to exhibit, produce and share their work. To make the gallery a space for exchange and dialogue around contemporary art, open to a wide public.

Youth at the heart of the project

For Artcanes, young artists drive an ever-evolving creation. The gallery offers them visibility and support, and also introduces young visitors to art: a way of thinking, questioning and engaging with the world.

Programme

Temporary exhibitions under the artistic direction of Idrissa Diallo (painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, ceramics), artists’ residencies, talks, round tables, workshops and film screenings.

The spaces

300 m² over four levels, with a terrace and a library.

  • Gallery

    The first two levels host solo and group exhibitions by emerging and established artists.

  • Concept store

    The third level presents designs by Senegalese and African designers, between fashion, design and lifestyle.

  • Maison de l’Art, Toubab Dialaw

    Artcanes’ branch for artists’ residencies, between the hill and the lagoon.

SIFAYE HAIDAR concept store

The team

  • Abdoulaye Racine Kane

    Abdoulaye Racine Kane

    Director and founder

  • Idrissa Diallo

    Idrissa Diallo

    Artistic director

  • Daouda Ndiaye

    Daouda Ndiaye

    Visual artist

  • Babacar Sene

    Babacar Sene

    Communication

  • Omar Ben Khatab Danfakha

    Cultural affairs adviser

Milestones

  1. Autumn 2024The space opens with the exhibition Trames Créatives, artists from Senegal and Morocco.
  2. 20 February – 22 March 2025Bourgeons Printaniers, a group show of six artists.
  3. 21 November 2025 – 25 January 2026Reflets Urbains, a photography festival with the Sunu Nataal collective.
  4. 18 June – 18 July 2026Maalaw du giss raay bi, a solo exhibition by Luciano Genovesio at Espace Artcanes.
  5. 25 October – 19 December 2026Trait d’union: Tisser l’(Anti) Fragilité, a Senegal–Morocco residency and exhibition, Dak’Art OFF.

They have supported us

Sunu Nataal, a collective of Senegalese photographers founded in 2010, partner of Reflets Urbains. Les Grands Moulins de Dakar, the Sonatel Foundation and Sococim Industries are listed among the supporters of the 2025 edition.

Our services

  • Space rental

    Espace Artcanes, in Yoff, and the Maison de l’Art, in Toubab Dialaw, can be hired for cultural events: openings, talks, workshops, screenings. Contact us for availability and terms.

  • Online sale of artworks

    Works by the artists supported by Artcanes can be purchased online. Contact us to find out which works are available, their prices and how to buy.

A question about the project, a visit, a partnership?

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