RAW Material Company is an independent art institution in Dakar dedicated to contemporary art, critical debate and knowledge exchange. Rooted in a strong African context, RAW fosters artistic and intellectual reflection while encouraging dialogue between local and international art practices.

A central component of RAW is the RAW Academy: a post-academic programme for artists, curators and critics. Twice a year, around twelve fellows take part in an intensive session involving lectures, one-on-one mentoring by internationally recognised tutors, and public presentations. The Academy was founded to support artistic development and critical thinking in a region where post-academic art education is scarce. By welcoming both regional and international participants, the Academy facilitates exchange between a wide range of artistic approaches.

RAW was founded in 2008 by curator Koyo Kouoh, who specialises in photography, video and art in public space. She has curated numerous exhibitions of contemporary African art around the world, including for documenta in Kassel, the Contemporary African Art Fair in London and the Venice Biennale. Since 2011, RAW is based at a permanent location in Dakar, with an exhibition space, a residency programme and a platform for public events. In a short time, RAW has grown into a leading platform for contemporary art on the African continent and plays a vital role in the cultural discourse in Senegal and beyond.

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