Doual'art: Center for Contemporary Art in Douala

Doual'art, established in 1991, stands as a prominent cultural hub in Douala, Cameroon, dedicated to contemporary art and urban development. Founded by Princess Marilyn Douala Manga Bell and Didier Schaub, the center operates as a non-profit organization committed to supporting artistic production in Cameroon. It serves as an experimental laboratory, exploring the relationship between art and the city, fostering creativity, and promoting cultural identity.Located in the Bonanjo neighborhood, specifically at Place du Gouvernement, Doual'art features the Espace doual'art, an exhibition space and gallery established in 1995 within the former cinema of the Palace of Douala Kings. The center's programming includes exhibitions of Cameroonian and international artists, workshops, lectures, and community events designed to engage the public in discussions about art and its role in society. Doual'art also organizes the SUD-Salon Urbain de Douala, a triennial public art festival that attracts national and international attention.Doual'art's mission extends beyond its walls, with site-specific artistic interventions in public spaces that aim to address social issues, promote freedom of expression, and foster social cohesion. The organization also works to enhance the city's built heritage through projects like Douala ville d'art et d'histoire, which involves marking historical sites with informational arches. Visitors can expect thought-provoking works that engage with themes of tradition and modernity, offering a comprehensive view of the artistic landscape in the region.