African cultural events highlight textile identity and contemporary art

The second edition of the Retour Aux Sources de la Mode Africaine (RASMA) competition is scheduled to take place from December 2 to 5, 2026. Organized by WINSTYLE and MARTYRE, the event focuses on Chadian textile identity, inviting designers, artisans, and digital creators to explore the country's traditional patterns, materials, and craftsmanship through contemporary creation.

Participants will undergo a training and research phase before competing for two prizes: the Textile Motif Prize and the Clothing Style Prize, each valued at 250,000 FCFA. The competition aims to use textiles as a marker of cultural identity.

In Paris, the 11th edition of the AKAA (Also Known As Africa) fair will be held from October 23 to 25 at the Carreau du Temple. Under the artistic direction of Sitor Senghor, the fair will feature a monumental installation by Senegalese photographer Gabriel Dia. His series, ‘Mother’s Heritage’, utilizes large-format photographs printed on textile to create an immersive experience exploring themes of identity and memory.