RAW MATERIAL COMPANY is a center for art, knowledge and society. It is an initiative that unfolds within the realms of exhibition making, commissioning, knowledge sharing, and archiving of theory and criticism.
About:
It works to forster appreciation and growth of artistic and intellectual creativity in Africa. The underlying rationale of its program is the firm belief in visual arts as a potent tool capable of shifting perspectives, and ingnite engagement for art practice as a viable path for social and political transformation.
RAW MATERIAL COMPANY is made of RAW BASE, a resource center specialized in contemporary art,RAW Gallery a 100 m2 exhibition space, RAW Residency, residencies for artists, curators and authors specialized in photography, video and art in the public space. La Compagnie, a roof top restaurant, rounds up the concept of an independant space for art practice and critical exchange.
Photowork of Andrew Esiebo in one of the RMC exhibtions.
Work of Zanele Muholi in the exhibition during Dak’Art 2014, closed by the government.
RAW Gallery is the exhibition space of RAW MATERIAL COMPANY. The objective of the exhibition program is to provide a professional contemporary framework for art in the white cube gallery space as well as the public space. The gallery has 100 sqm suitable for small group and solo shows. In addition, and whenever the volume of any given exhibition extends the capacity of RAW Gallery, we reach out to partner institutions such as the National Gallery and Musée Théodore Monod (IFAN). The curatorial rationale is an organic balance between the promotion of young and emerging artists and the acclaim of mid-career and established artists. The exhibition program also aims at developing curatorial activity as a field of work in the African context.
RAW Residency forms the residential program of RAW MATERIAL COMPANY. It consists of two studio-apartments located on the premises of the center. It is directed towards artists, architects, academics, curators and critical writers. It facilitates production of new works that provide a visual and critical discourse on social and political issues. The underlying rationale of this program resides in the firm belief in the functionality of art for social awareness. The residency program is thus strongly attached to community engagement as a mean to reintegrate art practice as a defining part of society. The production program makes special efforts at creating a dialogue between the public space as a stage of artistic interventions and its users. The overall aim of the residency program is to sustain a continuous presentation of and a confrontation with African and Africa related artistic practices.
RAWBASE is the alternative education program of Raw Material Company. It is a resource center offering a sustained discursive program through artist talks, portfolio review sessions, master classes, symposia, lectures, panels and research presentations. Rawbase aims at establishing an extensive library/archive on contemporary art with an emphasis on African and Africa related practices. The facility is directed towards a national as well as an international educational and research audience.
RAW MATERIAL COMPANY
Center for Art, Knowledge and Society
4074 bis Sicap Amitié 2
Dakar, SENEGAL
+221 33 864 0248
info@rawmaterialcompany.org
OPENING HOURS:
Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM