Black Rock Senegal: Kehinde Wiley's Artist Residency in Dakar

Black Rock Senegal, founded by renowned artist Kehinde Wiley in 2019, is a prestigious multi-disciplinary residency in Dakar, Senegal. Named for the volcanic rocks along its shoreline, the program brings together international artists for transformative experiences on the northwest coast of Africa.

What Black Rock Offers

Room and board
Individual studio space
Stipend for supplies and cultural activities
Three-story townhouse with kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathrooms
Access to shared amenities: Library, gym, sauna, swimming pool, gardens
Language tutoring (English, French, Wolof)
Local staff support
Duration: 1-3 months

Disciplines Accepted

Visual Artists
Writers
Filmmakers

Selection Statistics

16 artists selected annually
1,400+ applications received each cycle
Highly competitive selection

The Compound

Individual Townhouses

Each artist receives their own three-story home:

Fully stocked kitchen
Living room for gatherings
Bedroom with private desk
Two bathrooms
Close proximity to studios

Studios

Individual working spaces
Separate from living quarters
Appropriate for various practices

Shared Amenities

Library
Gymnasium
Sauna
Swimming pool
Gardens
Community spaces

Location

Yoff Virage village, Dakar:

Cliffside overlooking Yoff Bay
Black volcanic rocks along shoreline
Atlantic Ocean views
Access to vibrant Dakar art scene

Application Details

Current Application

2025-2026 cycle open at site.picter.com/black-rock-senegal-2025

What to Expect

Competitive selection process
International jury review
Artists from diverse backgrounds selected

Kehinde Wiley's Vision

"Black Rock Senegal came out of a direct need to engage Africa in a much more personal way. After years of exploring the continent's many cultures and countries I had a personal desire to create a workspace in West Africa. As an artist who works in the west I desired a space of renewal to explore new ideas and to create work outside of a western context-to create work within the context of my own lineage."

The Black Rock Experience

Cultural Immersion

Engagement with Senegalese culture
Wolof language instruction
Local staff and guides
Cultural excursions within Senegal

Community

Up to 3 artists in residence at a time
Cross-disciplinary dialogue
Rotating cohorts throughout year
Network of alumni

Dakar

Senegal's capital offers:

Thriving contemporary art scene
Dakar Biennale
Rich musical heritage
French and Wolof languages
West African cultural hub

Practical Considerations

Languages

Three primary languages:

English
French
Wolof

Language tutoring provided for all three.

Climate

Tropical climate:

Dry season: November - May
Rainy season: June - October
Generally warm year-round

Getting There

Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Staff assistance with logistics
Travel within Senegal organized

Application Tips

Strong portfolio - Quality of work paramount
Clear artistic vision - What distinguishes your practice?
African engagement - Interest in continental context
Cultural openness - Willingness to immerse
Research Wiley's vision - Understand the program philosophy

Why Choose Black Rock?

Prestigious program - Founded by major international artist
Comprehensive support - Room, board, studio, stipend
Cultural immersion - Deep engagement with Senegal
Beautiful facilities - Architect-designed compound
Unique perspective - Work outside Western context
Alumni network - Connection to Black Rock community

How to Apply

Visit blackrocksenegal.org/apply
Access current application at Picter
Prepare portfolio and materials
Submit complete application
Await selection results

Related Resources

Last updated: December 2025. Always verify current details on the official Black Rock Senegal website.