12th edition of Contemporary African Arts Fair in Dakar opens

The 12th edition of Contemporary African Arts Fair in Dakar, DAK'ART 2016, opened on Tuesday in the presence of Senegal President Macky Sall.

The fair is a cultural festival that will bring together 65 artists from 24 African countries and across the world, including China, between May 3 and June 2, 2016.

"DAK'ART 2016 is a demonstration of unity and solidarity of those who are passionate about their art work. Today, more than ever before, an artist is expected to play a social role through his work," the president of the event's organizing committee, Baidy Agne, said.

"We urge all lovers of art from all walks of life to come and demonstrate brotherhood and peace, to keep the spirit of DAK'ART alive," he added.

President Sall noted that culture and art "are not just simple decoration products."

"Art and culture are the spirits of a civilization. They determine human destiny by giving sense to man's actions," he said, adding that culture and art are also "factors of cohesion" since they help to form an identity.

The event which will be held in Dakar for close to a month, will be an opportunity for African artists and those from other parts of the world to showcase their works. Endit