Nearly 12 000 visitors discovered La Maison de l'Art in Grand-Bassam during its first year of operation, half of whom reside in the historic city. Supported by the Société Générale Côte d'Ivoire Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Francophonie, this cultural space aims to consolidate its local presence while contributing to the promotion of Ivorian and African contemporary art.
During this first year, the school-age public also held an important place, with nearly 3 000 children and adolescents welcomed. This attendance reflects the organization's desire to bring young people closer to artistic creation, particularly through workshops, guided tours, and meetings with figures from the cultural sphere.
The programming, designed with educational, cultural, and institutional partners, thus aims to make art an accessible field beyond usual circles. To mark its first anniversary, celebrated on 9 October 2026, La Maison de l'Art renewed its permanent collection and launched two exhibitions brought together under the theme 'Memories and Creations'.
The first, entitled 'Grand-Bassam, shared memories', looks back on the city's history between 1829 and 1960, based on photographs, maps, plans, and archival documents. It traces the urban, economic, and social developments that helped shape the identity of this former colonial capital.
See also - Société Générale CI posts a profit of 24 billion FCFA in the 1st quarter of 2026. The second exhibition, 'Contemporary Resonances', juxtaposes this historical legacy with the inquiries of contemporary artists regarding identities, social mutations, and human relationships.
Paintings, photographs, and sculptures compose a path in which the works explore the links between past and present. Through this programming, the establishment intends to show how memory can nurture artistic creation and open new perspectives on society.
For Patrick Blas, Chief Executive Officer of Société Générale Côte d'Ivoire and President of the eponymous foundation, the initial results confirm the choice to offer a cultural space that is both demanding and accessible. Under the direction of Dr.
Silvie Memel Kassi, La Maison de l'Art thus pursues its ambition of fostering dialogue between heritage, creation, and transmission in Grand-Bassam, addressing both residents and visitors from other regions of Ivory Coast and abroad. Created in March 2022, the Société Générale Côte d'Ivoire Foundation constitutes the framework for this commitment to economic and social development.
Beyond the promotion of African contemporary art, it operates in professional integration, particularly through support for female entrepreneurship, as well as in education and the support of vulnerable children. Its actions also cover support for orphanages and centers hosting disabled children.
Published on 12/10/26 16:00. The Editorial Staff.
