Transforming art - 30th June 2023

Senegal's walls have been filled with graffiti art for decades. The art form's often linked to hip hop culture, protest and defacing property. However, a new institution's attempting to change the negative image of graffiti.

The RBS Akademya was opened up by a team of graffiti artists, which includes Serigne Mansour Fall. Fall thinks graffiti helps people understand their society better.

Serigne Mansour Fall: "In fact, the idea wasn't to just educate the young to use this art as a means of making money, even if it's perfectly legitimate and legal. But also, young people who understand the realities of their time, who understand the realities of their people, who also understand the sacrifice that was made to bring us to this point."

The founders hope the academy will keep graffiti art alive for many years and be a place where amateur artists can learn from experts.

During the first 6 months, students attend three theory and practice lessons weekly. They're exposed to a variety of techniques before they decide on their own style.

Ibrahima Soumaré left school to develop his artistic talent at the Akademya.

Ibrahima Soumaré: "I was at school, but I could no longer concentrate on my studies. And since I felt very comfortable with drawing, I decided to leave school to come here, to better my skill-set here to improve myself further."

Libasse Sarr thinks graffiti represents a peaceful way to express your views.

Libasse Sarr: "For me, graffiti is a tool that allows me to manifest and express myself. While people are in the streets to demonstrate with violence, art allows us to be noble and to put messages on the walls that will not go unnoticed."

Students are charged 40 euros to enrol at the academy and pay a monthly tuition fee of 23 euros. Each class has four students which means they receive lots of attention from the founders. Students receive a certificate at the end of their course and are prepared for the tough task of making money from their art.