The International Biennial of Sculpture of Ouagadougou (BISO) is excited to announce the call for submissions for its fourth edition, set to take place on November 20th, 2025. Preceded by artist residencies beginning on October 17th, it promises to be a significant event in the contemporary art world.
For the 2025 edition, BISO has chosen the theme “UNBEARABLE BORDER,” inspired by the 2022 publication Insoutenable Frontière by Ivorian writer and poet Tanella Boni. This theme delves into the complex and multifaceted concept of borders—not just geographical, but also physical, mental, linguistic, relational, and cultural. Boni’s work vividly illustrates how these borders define the boundaries between individuals and communities, while also celebrating the beauty of diversity and also the richness of multiple identities.
BISO 2025 invites sculptors, installation artists, and performance artists from around the world to apply. Interested artists should submit a comprehensive application that includes a completed application form, a resume detailing their artistic background, as well as a brief statement about their artistic practice, and up to five visuals of their work.
The BISO Selection Committee will select BISO-affiliated sites and studios in Ouagadougou to host the artist residencies, which will last from 15 days to one month. The biennial exhibition will officially open on November 20th, 2025, at the FESPACO Theatre, where it will be available for public viewing for an entire month.
The deadline for submissions is November 30th, 2024, and all applications should be sent to biso.sculpture@gmail.com.
