CARAVAN Arts Indigenous Artist Residency - Dakar

CARAVAN Arts Indigenous Artist Residency – Dakar, Senegal

Overview

CARAVAN Arts hosts a pioneering annual cross-cultural artist residency program in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa—the world’s first residency specifically designed to foster creative dialogue between Native American and West African contemporary artists. Established by Paul Gordon Chandler, Founding President of CARAVAN and distinguished interfaith peacemaker who spent his formative years in Senegal, this unique three-week residency program facilitates unprecedented artistic encounters between indigenous artists from different continents, revealing the richness of diverse cultures while exploring their shared visions, values, and spiritual traditions.

In partnership with DakArtNews (founded by art journalist Rémy Mallet) and Hotel Le Djoloff, Dakar’s premier boutique arts hotel, the residency positions art as a powerful medium for building bridges across cultures, ethnicities, and spiritual traditions. Each November, one noted Native American contemporary artist collaborates intensively with one established Senegalese artist, creating work both independently and together, culminating in a joint exhibition that runs through February of the following year.

The residency’s timing coincides strategically with Partcours, Dakar’s celebrated annual arts initiative that transforms the city into an open-air gallery with over 30 participating venues. This synchronization ensures maximum visibility for participating artists and embeds the residency within Dakar’s vibrant contemporary art ecosystem, providing Native American artists access to West Africa’s most dynamic art capital while celebrating Senegalese creativity on an international platform.

Organizational Mission & Philosophy

CARAVAN Arts: Building Bridges Through Art

Founded in 2009 by Paul Gordon Chandler while serving as Rector of the international Episcopal church in southern Cairo (2003-2013), CARAVAN began as an interfaith arts festival responding to growing divisions between Middle Eastern and Western communities. The organization’s transformative power became evident when thousands attended the inaugural “On a Caravan” exhibition in Cairo, demonstrating art’s unique capacity to dissolve differences and foster understanding.

Core Principles:

• Art as Universal Language: CARAVAN believes the arts can be among the most effective mediums to heal the world, fostering peace, harmony, wholeness, and health in all forms
• Spiritual Dimension: Chandler views curation as “a profoundly spiritual vocation,” rooted in the Medieval Latin “curatus” (one responsible for the care of souls), seeing curatorial work as inherently connecting art with spirituality and the transcendent
• Reciprocal Exchange: The residency rejects hierarchical models where Western artists extract from “exotic” contexts, instead positioning participants as equals in genuine cultural dialogue
• Indigenous Spirituality: Recognition that traditional spiritual practices—whether Native American or West African—offer profound wisdom for contemporary society

Evolution to “CARAVAN 3.0”: In 2025, CARAVAN announced a strategic enhancement of its mission following Chandler’s travels through Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon, where he witnessed art’s vital role in healing conflict-affected regions. This “CARAVAN 3.0” phase intensifies focus on exhibitions, tours, and creative engagement addressing pressing needs for intercultural understanding.

Paul Gordon Chandler’s Vision: Born in 1964 and raised in Senegal for his first 18 years (which he considers his “heart’s home”), Chandler brings unique perspective as U.S. Episcopal priest, author, curator, and interfaith advocate who has worked in over 140 countries. His deep commitment to reconciliation earned him the 2020 Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation from the Archbishop of Canterbury—the highest international award within the Anglican Communion for outstanding service in reconciliation and interfaith dialogue.

Chandler’s curatorial achievements include major exhibitions at sacred spaces (St. Paul’s Cathedral London, National Cathedral Washington D.C.), prominent art venues (National Gallery of Fine Arts Amman, Museum of Modern Art Cairo), and memorial sites (Ground Zero New York). His acclaimed books include In Search of a Prophet: A Spiritual Journey with Kahlil Gibran and Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road: Exploring a New Path Between Two Faiths.

2025 Residency: HEALING – Connecting Threads of Traditional Wisdom

Featured Artists:

Jim Yellowhawk (Native American Artist)

• Tribal Affiliation: Enrolled member of the Itazipco Band of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe; Onondaga/Iroquois heritage on mother’s side
• Background: Grew up on Cheyenne River Reservation, South Dakota; graduated from Marion College Indiana (B.S. Art); studied at Columbus College of Art & Design Ohio
• Artistic Philosophy: “Traditional spirituality is woven into my daily life, work, practices, and way of being. It keeps me in balance and guides my creative processes.”
• Mediums: Ledger art (traditional Plains Indian technique using pencil/ink on historic ledger book pages), neon light installations, mixed-media airbrush, bark paper collage, painting on innovative surfaces
• Symbolism: Traditional symbols including eagle, buffalo, circle, horse, elk, geese—honoring the four winds and representing belief in unity and the circle of life
• Performance Practice: Invited internationally to perform Lakota men’s traditional dance at venues worldwide (Europe, New Zealand, Norway)
• Recent Focus: Healing themes, including Eagle Butte Hospital mural honoring his late wife Ruth Yellowhawk
• Philosophy: Embraces “Mitakuye Oyasin” (We are all related)—the Lakota belief that all living creatures are family and can live in harmony and peace
• Collections: Work held in public and private collections globally; exhibits in New Zealand galleries
• Commercial Collaborations: Pendleton Blanket Company’s Legendary Collection “Buffalo Nation” design, Aya Eyewear line

Baye Ndiaga Diouf (Senegalese Artist)

• Full Name: Makhtar Diouf (known as Baye Ndiaga, honoring his grandfather)
• Birth: 1991, Thiadiaye (70km southeast of Dakar), Senegal
• Education: Evening courses at École Nationale des Arts (Dakar), paid through carpentry work; intensive workshops at Laboratoire Agit’Art and Espace Medina
• Studio Location: Nguekhokh, approximately 70km south of Dakar
• Spiritual Heritage: Grandson of traditional healer; practices Mouridism (Senegalese Sufi branch founded by Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba)
• Materials: Natural pigments including Touba coffee, cola, charcoal, pastels on canvas
• Themes: Human connection, social justice, spirituality, inner conflicts, societal critique, healing
• Artistic Philosophy: Art as expression of societal pain and pathway to healing; works function as “places of dissensus” reflecting tension between ancestral heritage and Islamic faith
• Exhibition History:
  • 2022: Solo show “Crise des valeurs” (Crisis of Values), Beluga Art Space, Dak’Art Biennale
  • 2022: 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair (with Dada Gallery)
  • 2020: “Gueew-Bi” and “Li Nu Bokk,” Institut Français Dakar
  • 2019: Musée Théodore Monod IFAN; 10th Senegalese Visual Arts Exhibition, National Gallery
  • 2018: Segou Contemporary Art Fair, Mali
  • 2017: Laboratoire Agit’Art exhibition, Institut Français Senegal
• Recognition: Featured in DakArtNews, Moi Aussi Gallery, Dada Gallery London; work acquired by international collectors

Thematic Focus: The 2025 “HEALING” residency explores the transformational role of traditional spirituality in contemporary Native American and Senegalese cultures, examining how ancestral wisdom offers pathways to healing in modern society.

Residency Structure & Timeline

Duration: Three weeks during November Capacity: One Native American artist + One Senegalese artist (two total residents) Annual Cycle: Held each November to coincide with Partcours arts initiative

Residency Components:

Accommodation & Workspace:

• Native American artist resides as guest at Hotel Le Djoloff
• Studio work occurs both at Hotel Le Djoloff and in the Senegalese artist’s personal studio
• This dual-location approach facilitates both independent creation and collaborative work

Cultural Immersion Experiences:

• Engagement with Dakar’s contemporary art scene during peak Partcours activity
• Access to 30+ galleries, cultural centers, museums, hotels, and foundations participating in Partcours
• Interaction with Senegalese art community, curators, collectors, and cultural leaders
• Exploration of Dakar’s diverse neighborhoods (Plateau historical center, Médina art district, Almadies coastal area, Ouakam, Fann Hock)
• Participation in Dakar’s renowned musical scene (jazz clubs, traditional drumming, Senegalese hip-hop)
• Experience of Teranga—Senegalese spirit of welcome, tolerance, and generosity

Creative Collaboration:

• Intensive studio sessions with partnered Senegalese artist
• Independent work time for personal artistic development
• Collaborative creation exploring shared themes and divergent cultural perspectives
• Material exchange and technique sharing
• Dialogue sessions with curators Paul G. Chandler and Rémy Mallet

Knowledge Sharing:

• Artist talks where Native American artist shares indigenous culture, artistic traditions, and contemporary practice
• Presentations to Senegalese audiences (art students, gallery visitors, cultural institutions)
• Informal exchanges with local artists, artisans, musicians, and community members
• Documentation of creative process for educational purposes

Tailored Activities:

• Site visits to culturally significant locations
• Meetings with Dakar-based artists, galleries, and cultural organizations
• Attendance at Partcours exhibition openings and arts events
• Opportunities to draw inspiration from Senegalese people, landscape, urban environment, and spiritual traditions

Culminating Exhibition & Public Programming

Exhibition Details:

Title: Varies annually (2024: “SYMBOLS OF LIFE: Beyond Perception”; 2025: “HEALING: Connecting Threads of Traditional Wisdom”) Venue: Hotel Le Djoloff Curators: Paul G. Chandler (CARAVAN President) and Rémy Mallet (DakArtNews founder) Opening Event: During Partcours (typically late November) Duration: Exhibition runs through end of February (approximately 3 months) Format: Joint exhibition featuring works by both the Native American and Senegalese artists, including independent creations and collaborative pieces

Exhibition Philosophy: Co-curators position the exhibition as more than visual display—it functions as catalyst for broader cultural engagement, dialogue, and education around the residency’s theme. As Rémy Mallet articulates: “Only art has this subtle ability to convey messages and make an impact that even the greatest political speeches could not achieve.”

Supplementary Programming: The exhibition serves as hub for diverse events stimulating interaction and education:

• Artist Talks: Both residents discuss their creative processes, cultural backgrounds, and collaborative experience
• Lectures: Scholars and cultural leaders address themes of indigenous spirituality, cross-cultural dialogue, art and healing
• Forums: Panel discussions on contemporary art, traditional wisdom, cultural preservation
• Workshops: Hands-on sessions exploring techniques demonstrated in the exhibition
• Dance Performances: Presentations of traditional Native American and Senegalese dance forms
• Musical Events: Given Senegal’s renowned music scene, concerts featuring diverse traditions (jazz, traditional drumming, contemporary fusion) enhance cultural engagement
• Educational Activities: Programs for schools and youth organizations

International Visibility: The residency and exhibition serve strategic purposes of introducing Native American contemporary artists and their work to the international art scene, particularly connecting with African, European, and global collectors, curators, and institutions active in Dakar’s art market.

Partnership Organizations

DakArtNews

Founded by Rémy Mallet, an art journalist who worked for Deutsche Welle (German public international broadcaster) in Bonn before returning to West Africa, DakArtNews operates as online platform dedicated to promoting contemporary African visual artists, particularly from Senegal and West Africa.

Mission: Firmly believing in art’s ability to unite people and catalyze intercultural dialogue, DakArtNews operates in English to reach global audiences, bridging diverse cultures and fostering cross-cultural understanding internationally.

Activities Beyond CARAVAN Partnership:

• Daily features on Senegalese and West African artists (“What is Art?” interview series, studio visits, exhibition reviews)
• Coverage of major African art events (Dak’Art Biennale, Partcours, African art fairs)
• International art world analysis (Africa Basel, Paris Noir at Centre Pompidou, Venice Biennale African representation)
• Curatorial projects (including “SYMBOLS OF LIFE” exhibition, “DAKART CROCS” virtual exhibition)
• Advocacy for contemporary African art on global platforms

Rémy Mallet’s Curatorial Philosophy: “Art can bridge cultural divides and challenge prejudices through its ability to evoke emotions and spark conversations… Art serves as a mirror to society, reflecting both the beauty and the complexities of the human experience and ultimately offering visions of a more harmonious world.”

Hotel Le Djoloff

Considered one of Dakar’s most aesthetically unique boutique hotels, Le Djoloff combines traditional Saint-Louisian architecture with contemporary West African design, creating what many describe as an “architectural pearl.”

Location: Fann Hock/Soumbédioune neighborhood, along West Corniche, near Cheikh Anta Diop University Design Elements:

• West African-inspired architecture with compressed earth brick construction
• Artwork and furniture created by noted Senegalese artists throughout property
• Rooftop terrace with stunning views over Soumbédioune Bay and Madeleine Islands
• Inner courtyard with terracotta walls and lush plantings
• Environmentally-friendly air conditioning system
• Ecological and ethical approach to hospitality

Artistic Identity:

• Recognized as primary “arts hotel” within Dakar
• Known for soulful jazz club hosting regular performances
• Hosts vibrant mix of artistically-oriented travelers and renowned artists
• Offers welcoming ambiance that is intimate and creative
• Regular exhibition space for visual arts
• Conference facilities (40-seat and 50-seat rooms) for arts programming

Restaurant & Amenities:

• LES TERRASSES DU DJOLOFF restaurant (rooftop dining with international cuisine)
• Bar/lounge with artistic atmosphere
• Breakfast buffet with diverse selections
• Free WiFi throughout property
• 33 rooms total (mix of standard rooms and suites, some with balconies)
• Proximity to Soumbédioune Fish Market (traditional artisan market), Magic Land, University

Reviews Consistently Highlight: “Home away from home” atmosphere, excellent breakfast, friendly attentive staff (especially Marie and Maimouna), artsy vibe, beautiful rooftop terrace, quiet location despite proximity to city center

Partcours Arts Initiative Context

Partcours represents Dakar’s annual invitation to the public to discover the city through art, transforming the capital into an open-air gallery each November for approximately two weeks. The initiative brings together various artistic spaces—galleries, museums, cultural centers, hotels, foundations—offering the public unique opportunities to explore diverse exhibitions and artistic events throughout the city.

2025 Partcours (14th Edition): November 28 – December 14, 2025

Scope:

• 30+ participating venues across Dakar and suburbs
• Neighborhoods include: Plateau (historical center), Médina (vibrant art district), Almadies (coastal area), Ouakam, Fann Hock, Rufisque, suburban locations
• Simultaneous opening vernissages launching the event (typically late November)
• Free or accessible pricing facilitating broad public engagement
• Shuttle services between certain venues
• Comprehensive program available at partcours.art

Participating Venues (Examples):

• OH Gallery (Plateau)
• Galerie Cécile Fakhoury
• Galerie Atiss Dakar
• Loman Art House
• Yataal Art
• RAW Material Company
• Village des Arts
• Espace Medina
• Institut Français (Galerie Le Manège)
• Sococim Foundation Cultural Centre
• Various artist studios and alternative spaces

Strategic Importance: For artists and gallerists, Partcours offers:

• National and international visibility
• Attracts collectors and curators from across Africa, Europe, and globally
• Facilitates circulation of artworks
• Networking opportunities with regional art scene
• Platform for emerging and established artists

For visitors:

• Immersive and inclusive experience
• Multiplicity of discoveries across two weeks
• Access to diverse artistic forms and narratives
• Enrichment of perspective on contemporary African art

For Dakar:

• Strengthens position as West African art capital
• Encourages cultural openness
• Demonstrates metropolitan innovation in arts
• Economic boost to creative economy (gallery sales, tourism, artist income)

Relationship to CARAVAN Residency: By timing the residency exhibition opening during Partcours, CARAVAN ensures maximum exposure for participating Native American and Senegalese artists, embedding them within Dakar’s most concentrated period of arts activity and international collector presence.

Previous CARAVAN Senegal Initiative: SYMBOLS OF LIFE (2024)

Before establishing the annual residency program, CARAVAN’s first foray into Senegal occurred November 7 – December 7, 2024, with “SYMBOLS OF LIFE: Beyond Perception: An Artistic Exploration of the Human Soul.”

Featured Artists:

• Tidiane Ndongo (Mali): Master of bogolan (mudcloth) technique, born 1970, studied under Youssouf Sidibé Nelly in Bamako, influenced by late Youssouf Tata Cissé’s research
• Djibril Coulibaly (Senegal): Emerging artist and member of Mouride Sufi brotherhood, known for unique fingerprint motif born from personal revelation, vibrant dynamic canvases

Curatorial Concept: The exhibition explored symbols as profound language connecting humanity to deepest truths, drawing inspiration from Léopold Sédar Senghor’s philosophy that African art transcends mere representation, offering “symbols and suggestions” inviting deeper engagement with the world.

Impact: The success of SYMBOLS OF LIFE laid foundation for the annual artist residency program, demonstrating appetite for cross-cultural artistic dialogue in Dakar and validating CARAVAN’s approach of using visual art to foster understanding across cultural and spiritual traditions.

Application & Selection Process

Current Application Status: CARAVAN invites Native American contemporary artists for the annual November residency. The Senegalese partner artist is selected by DakArtNews.

How to Apply/Express Interest:

• Website: http://www.oncaravan.org/artistresidency (check for current announcements and application guidelines)
• Email: info@oncaravan.org
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @oncaravan
  • Facebook: CARAVAN Arts

Selection Criteria (Based on Organizational Values):

• Artistic Excellence: Demonstrated quality and innovation in contemporary art practice
• Indigenous Connection: Strong ties to Native American cultural traditions and spiritual practices
• Openness to Dialogue: Genuine interest in cross-cultural exchange and collaborative creation
• Communication Skills: Ability to articulate artistic vision and cultural context to diverse audiences
• Spiritual Dimension: Work that engages with transcendent themes, traditional wisdom, or healing
• Professionalism: Track record of successful exhibitions, residencies, or public presentations

What CARAVAN Seeks in Artists:

• Practitioners whose work bridges traditional forms and contemporary themes
• Artists exploring healing, spirituality, identity, social justice, or human connection
• Individuals capable of working collaboratively while maintaining artistic independence
• Creative voices that can contribute meaningfully to intercultural dialogue
• Artists interested in reaching international audiences and expanding beyond North American contexts

What the Residency Provides

Included:

• Accommodation at Hotel Le Djoloff (three weeks)
• Studio space (at hotel and in Senegalese partner artist’s studio)
• All meals during residency period
• Cultural immersion programming and guided experiences
• Access to Partcours venues and arts events
• Curatorial support from Paul G. Chandler and Rémy Mallet
• Exhibition space at Hotel Le Djoloff
• Exhibition runs for three months (November through February)
• Opening event publicity and promotion during Partcours
• Artist talks and public programming opportunities
• Documentation of residency and exhibition
• Introduction to Dakar art scene (galleries, collectors, institutions)
• Materials budget for exhibition production (specifics TBD)

Not Typically Covered:

• International airfare to/from Dakar
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses beyond residency programming
• Visa fees (if applicable)
• Art materials for independent work (though exhibition materials may be supported)
• Shipping artwork from Dakar (artists should plan accordingly)

Financial Support Notes: Specific details about materials budgets, honoraria, or other financial support should be confirmed directly with CARAVAN during application process. The organization’s nonprofit structure and commitment to supporting emerging and established artists suggests flexibility based on individual circumstances.

Practical Information for Applicants

Dakar Context:

Location: Capital city of Senegal, West Africa, situated on Cap-Vert Peninsula at westernmost point of African continent Population: Approximately 3.5 million metropolitan area Languages: French (official), Wolof (widely spoken), various ethnic languages Religion: 95% Muslim (predominantly Sufi, including Mouride and Tidiane brotherhoods), 5% Christian, traditional practices integrated Climate During Residency: November is pleasant with temperatures 22-30°C (72-86°F), low humidity, no rainfall (dry season) Time Zone: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)

Cultural Scene:

• Dak’Art Biennale: Africa’s longest-running contemporary art exhibition (biennial, since 1990), 300+ OFF program venues
• Music: Renowned for mbalax, jazz, hip-hop; legendary artists include Youssou N’Dour, Baaba Maal
• Fashion: Dakar Fashion Week, vibrant traditional and contemporary design scene
• Literature: Rich literary tradition (Léopold Sédar Senghor, Mariama Bâ, Boubacar Boris Diop)
• Dance: Sabar drumming and dance, contemporary choreography

Art Infrastructure:

• RAW Material Company (premier contemporary art center, founded by late Koyo Kouoh)
• Black Rock Senegal (Kehinde Wiley’s residency program)
• Village des Arts (artist collective and studios)
• Espace Medina (artist workshops and exhibitions)
• Laboratoire Agit’Art (historic radical art collective, founded 1974)
• Galerie Cécile Fakhoury, Galerie Atiss, OH Gallery, numerous others
• Musée Théodore Monod (IFAN Museum of African Arts)

Logistics:

• Airport: Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), approximately 50km from central Dakar (1 hour drive)
• Getting Around: Taxis, car rapides (colorful local buses), Uber available, walking in certain neighborhoods
• Internet: WiFi available at Hotel Le Djoloff and most cafes/restaurants; mobile data accessible
• Health: Yellow fever vaccination required; malaria prophylaxis recommended; travel insurance essential
• Safety: Dakar generally safe for visitors; standard urban precautions advised

Visa Requirements:

• U.S. citizens currently do not require visa for stays up to 90 days for tourism/cultural activities
• Requirements vary by nationality—applicants should verify current regulations with Senegalese embassy/consulate
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay

Why Choose CARAVAN Indigenous Artist Residency

Unprecedented Cultural Exchange: This residency offers the world’s first structured program bringing together Native American and West African contemporary artists for intensive creative collaboration. The unique pairing facilitates discovery of unexpected commonalities—indigenous spiritual traditions, histories of resilience, contemporary challenges, artistic innovations—while celebrating distinct cultural expressions.

Meaningful Collaboration vs. Extractive Tourism: Unlike residencies where international artists briefly visit “exotic” locations without substantive engagement, CARAVAN’s three-week intensive model allows genuine relationships to develop. Working in the Senegalese artist’s studio, sharing meals, attending cultural events together, and co-creating exhibition content ensures reciprocal exchange rather than one-directional observation.

Strategic Timing & Visibility: Coinciding with Partcours positions residents within Dakar’s peak arts season when international collectors, curators, and gallerists converge. The three-month exhibition duration (extending well beyond most residency shows) provides sustained visibility and opportunity for sales, commissions, and future collaborations.

Curatorial Excellence: Co-curation by Paul Gordon Chandler (internationally recognized for exhibitions at St. Paul’s Cathedral, National Cathedral, major museums, and memorial sites) and Rémy Mallet (DakArtNews founder, Deutsche Welle veteran) ensures sophisticated conceptual framing and professional presentation reaching global audiences.

Access to Dakar Art Ecosystem: Beyond the residency itself, participants gain entrée to West Africa’s most vibrant contemporary art scene—introductions to galleries, artists, collectors, institutions that can lead to ongoing relationships, future exhibitions, and sustained engagement with African art world.

Spiritual Dimension: For artists whose practice engages with spirituality, traditional wisdom, or healing themes, CARAVAN’s explicit embrace of the transcendent dimension provides rare institutional support. The organization’s interfaith foundation and Chandler’s theological background create space for discussing sacred aspects of creativity often marginalized in secular art contexts.

Support for Indigenous Artists: CARAVAN’s specific focus on Native American artists addresses underrepresentation of indigenous voices in international contemporary art discourse. The residency and exhibition introduce Native American contemporary practice to African and European audiences often unfamiliar with this rich tradition.

Lifetime Impact: Previous CARAVAN exhibitions and programming have catalyzed career transformations—from the Egyptian imam who encountered contemporary art for the first time and subsequently supported his daughter’s art career, to international press coverage reaching millions. Participants gain not just three-week experience but potential pivot point for their artistic trajectory.

Example of Transformational Impact (from CARAVAN’s history): One imam attending a CARAVAN exhibition in Egypt brought his 17-year-old daughter, a budding artist he had forbidden from attending art school. The exhibition corrected his “erroneous stereotypes about contemporary art,” leading him to not only permit her art education but actively promote her career and request CARAVAN show her work. Such transformations extend the residency’s impact far beyond the immediate participants.

Contact & Further Information

Primary Contact: CARAVAN Arts Email: info@oncaravan.org Website: http://www.oncaravan.org

Residency-Specific Page: http://www.oncaravan.org/artistresidency

Social Media:

• Instagram: @oncaravan
• Facebook: CARAVAN Arts

Partner Organizations:

DakArtNews: Website: http://www.dakartnews.com Instagram: @dakartnews (For questions about Senegalese artist selection and Dakar art scene)

Hotel Le Djoloff: Website: http://www.hoteldjoloff.fr Address: Rue de la Pharmacie Atlantique, Fann Hock/Soumbédioune, Dakar, Senegal Phone: Available via hotel website (For accommodation questions if independently visiting)

For Updates:

• Sign up for CARAVAN newsletter via website
• Follow social media channels for residency announcements, artist features, and exhibition updates
• Check DakArtNews for coverage of Dakar art scene and Partcours programming

Related CARAVAN Programming: CARAVAN also hosts residencies and exhibitions in Egypt and maintains global network facilitating participating artists’ access to residency programs worldwide. Artists selected for Dakar residency may have opportunities for future CARAVAN programming internationally.

Testimonials & Artistic Impact

Paul G. Chandler on CARAVAN’s Mission: “Art enhances our experience and understanding of each other and the transcendent, forging pathways of understanding that bridge differences, while touching on the deepest dimension of human existence.”

Rémy Mallet on Art’s Power: “Only art has this subtle ability to convey messages and make an impact that even the greatest political speeches could not achieve.”

Curatorial Vision for Indigenous Dialogue: The 2025 HEALING residency theme—exploring traditional spirituality’s transformational role in contemporary society—represents CARAVAN’s conviction that indigenous wisdom from both Native American and West African traditions offers essential perspectives for addressing modern challenges of disconnection, environmental crisis, and spiritual emptiness plaguing contemporary global society.

Broader Context: The residency emerged from CARAVAN’s realization, through years of interfaith arts programming, that visual art uniquely bypasses intellectual and ideological barriers, accessing deeper emotional and spiritual dimensions where genuine human connection occurs. As Chandler witnessed in Cairo, where thousands of Muslims and Christians gathered around art exhibitions fostering dialogue impossible through other means, creative expression generates the “soft power” capable of transforming prejudice and building authentic relationships.