African Photography Encounters (French: Rencontres Africaines de la Photographie), more commonly known as Bamako Encounters, is a biennial exhibition in Bamako, Mali, held since 1994. It is the first and largest African photography biennial.[1] The exhibition, featuring exhibits by contemporary African photographers, is spread over several Bamako cultural centers, including the National Museum, the National Library, the Modibo Keïta memorial, and the District Museum. The exhibition also features colloquia and film showings.
The European Union (Best Reporting Photographer) (Prix de l'Union Européenne) was awarded to Zohra Bensemra (Algeria).[4]
The Intergovernmental Agency of La Francophonie Award (Prix de l'Agence Intergouvernementale de la Francophonie du Meilleur Jeune) (AIF) was awarded to Ulrich-Rodney Mahoungou (Republic of the Congo)[4]
The Elan de l'Agence Française de Développement prize was awarded to Uche James-Iroha (Nigeria)
The biennial was cancelled because of security concerns.[3]
2015 – 10th biennial
The 10th biennial took place from 31 October to 31 December 2015 and was themed Telling Time.[3][10][11] It was directed by Bisi Silva with associate curators Antawan I. Byrd and Yves Chatap.[12]
The 11th biennial took place from 2 December 2017 to 31 January 2018.[2]
2019 - 12th biennial
The 12th biennial took place from 30 November 2019 to the 31st of January 2020.[14] The Artistic director was Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung with curatorial team including Kwasi Ohene-Ayeh, Aziza Harmel and Astrid Sokona Lepoultier.[15]
The biennial celebrates thirty years in 2024 with its 14th exhibition taking place from November 16, 2024 to January 16, 2025 under the theme “Kuma, La Parole” (Kuma, the Word). The artistic director is Lassana Igo Diarra accompanied by a curatorial team that includes Nadine Hounkpatin,Manthia Diawara, Soufiane Er-Rahoui,Oyindamola (Fakeye) Faithfull and Patrick Mudekereza.[17][18]
The thirty artists selected for the group exhibition titled La Panafricane are: [17]
