Doual'art: Center for Contemporary Art in Douala

Doual'art, established in 1991, stands as a beacon for contemporary art and urban transformation in Douala, Cameroon. Founded by Princess Marilyn Douala Manga Bell and Didier Schaub, the center aims to foster cultural identity, aesthetic consciousness, and social change through artistic expression.Initially conceived without a fixed location, Doual'art focused on site-specific artworks and projects throughout Douala's neighborhoods. In 1995, Espace Doual'art was created in the former cinema of the Palace of Douala Kings in Bonanjo. The center's program emphasizes contemporary art and urban issues, showcasing Cameroonian and international artists. Doual'art serves as a laboratory for artistic experiments in urban areas, bringing together social and economic actors, local and international artists, and the community.Since 2007, Doual'art has organized the SUD-Salon Urbain de Douala, a triennial public art festival that attracts national and international attention. The center also hosts workshops, lectures, and community events to engage the public in discussions about art and its role in society. Doual'art's mission is to support artists interested in urban issues and to promote the development of cultural identity and aesthetic consciousness in the local population.