The Republic of Benin is leveraging cultural heritage to drive economic growth, with plans to open four new museums across the country and a cultural quarter in Cotonou, its largest city, over the next five years. This initiative marks Benin's debut at the Venice Biennale, signaling a strategic pivot towards culture as a significant economic sector alongside agriculture.
The government's commitment includes a €250 million investment from 2016 to 2026, aimed at enhancing cultural tourism, preserving heritage, and encouraging private investment in the arts. The Minister of Culture, Babalola Jean-Michel Abimbola, views this as a strategy not only to foster national identity but also to combat poverty and generate jobs.
The new cultural district, Le Quartier Culturel et Créatif, will feature diverse facilities, including a contemporary art museum and a sculpture garden, positioning Cotonou as a hub for both local and international artistic talent.
Further projects include the Musée des Rois et des Amazones du Danhomè in Abomey and the Musée International du Vodun in Porto-Novo, which aims to correct misconceptions about the Vodun religion. The success of a 2022 exhibition, drawing over 230,000 visitors, underscores the potential of these cultural initiatives to attract significant public interest and support sustainable visitor numbers.
Additionally, Benin is expanding its educational offerings in the arts, with developments like the new Africa Design School campus in Ouidah, and strengthening professional training through the École du Patrimoine Africain, enhancing skills in heritage preservation.
Selena Mattei