The city of Ouagadougou is currently hosting the 6th edition of the Rencontres internationales de la peinture de Ouagadougou (RIPO), a significant event that has been promoting plastic arts, professional exchanges, and encounters with the general public for 20 years. This biennale, which runs from September 19-27, 2026, has become a reference platform for artists and cultural actors. The event features various exhibitions, residencies, and community workshops.
As part of this biennale, the Association pour la promotion des arts plastiques (APAP) organized the traditional "Nuit des partenaires" on September 25, 2026, a gala dinner that brought together collaborators, artists, and cultural actors to recognize their contributions. The president of RIPO, Suzanne Songa/Ouédraogo, attributed the longevity of the event to the collective commitment of all parties involved, including partners and artists who have been present since the beginning.
The jury, presided over by Nyaba Ouédraogo, examined a total of 83 works based on rigorous criteria such as artistic approach, background, color palette, style, and creative audacity. The laureates included Malian artist Seydou Traoré and Tshikama Kalamba Alfred from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who were awarded the CANEX prizes, enabling them to participate in an international painting encounter in Nigeria.
A residency grant was awarded to Ivoirian Charles Bonkoungou, whose works focus on the valorization of female bodies and the deconstruction of complexes related to physical appearance. A special prize was also awarded to Beninese artist Zato Keïrath. Dr Adama Segda, technical advisor representing the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, praised the dynamism of this anniversary edition.
Dr Segda recalled that contemporary creation has the power to "transcend borders and convey a message of hope." She reiterated the ministry's availability to accompany structures like APAP and emphasized the importance of perpetuating these cultural dialogue spaces. The RIPO continue to build strong bridges between peoples, leaving a cultural imprint of a welcoming and integrity Burkina Faso on each invited artist.
The event has attracted various artists, including Baba Tshikama, a Congolese artist known for his humanist and transmissible artistic approach. The RIPO 2026 edition features a range of activities, including exhibitions, residencies, and community workshops, which will run until September 27, 2026.
The 20th anniversary celebration of RIPO is a testament to the power of collective commitment and partnership in promoting plastic arts and cultural exchange. The event has become a significant platform for artists, cultural actors, and the general public to come together and appreciate the richness of African art.
Key points
- The 6th edition of RIPO celebrates 20 years of promoting plastic arts and cultural exchange in Ouagadougou.
- The event features various exhibitions, residencies, and community workshops, showcasing the works of 83 artists.
- The laureates of the event include Seydou Traoré, Tshikama Kalamba Alfred, Charles Bonkoungou, and Zato Keïrath, who were awarded prizes and grants for their outstanding works.
