Ouagadougou to host 6th International Painting Encounters

The 6th edition of the Rencontres internationales de peinture de Ouagadougou (RIPO) is scheduled to take place from September 18 to 28, 2026, in Burkina Faso. Organized by the Association pour la promotion des arts plastiques (APAP), the biennial event will feature 40 artists representing 18 countries across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

This year’s theme, ‘Art facing the challenges of the world and the mutations of the digital ecosystem,’ aims to explore the evolving role of artists in a transforming global landscape. The program includes international exhibitions, artistic residencies, professional panels, community workshops, and a marketplace street.

Key innovations for this edition include the ‘Route des arts visuels,’ a platform designed to enhance the professionalization and mobility of African artists within a digital context. Additionally, the RIPO Off initiative will extend artistic activities to various galleries and spaces throughout Ouagadougou. The three best works will receive awards, providing the authors with opportunities for further international recognition.