Rencontres de Bamako Returns for 11th Edition Amidst Mali's Complex History

On July 28, 2017, the 11th edition of the Rencontres de Bamako, known as the African Biennale of Photography, was revealed, with a selection of participants chosen by a jury led by artistic director Marie-Ann Yemsi. This event, organized by the Institut français and Mali's Ministry of Culture, is scheduled to take place from December 2, 2017, to January 31, 2018, at locations such as the Musée National du Mali. Among the featured photographers are Héla Ammar, Joana Choumali, Eric Gyamfi, Kelvin Haizel, Christian Sanna, and Sarah Waiswa. Despite experiencing political instability, including coups and civil war since gaining independence from France in 1960, Mali's art community continues to thrive, supported by President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita's modernization efforts.