ToGo Art Festival
Togolese and African culture in the spotlight in Arcueil
About ToGo Art
ToGo Art Festival: The Colors of Togo in Arcueil
Founded in 2025 by the association Act'Dem and its artistic director Yaotse Bakou, the ToGo Art Festival is the first major Togolese and West African cultural event in the Val-de-Marne. Based in Arcueil, a cosmopolitan town in the southern suburbs of Paris, the festival aims to be a vibrant bridge between Togolese and French cultures, a celebration of diversity, and a space for discovery for audiences from all walks of life.
An Iconic First Edition
On April 12, 2025, the first edition of the ToGo Art Festival took over 15 Avenue Paul Doumer in Arcueil for a day of festivities from 12 PM to 11 PM. The theme of this inauguration was: "The Colors of Togo, a Journey to the Heart of Togolese Culture." Togolese musician Amen Viana, the patron of the edition, embodied the spirit of the festival by blending traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds in a colorful concert. His presence lent a special radiance to this inaugural event.
A Multidisciplinary and Immersive Program
The richness of Togolese and West African culture was showcased through a carefully designed multidisciplinary program. Exhibitions featured Togolese visual arts (paintings, sculptures, photographs), while dance performances presented traditional choreographies from various Togolese ethnic groups. Storytelling sessions transported young and old into the world of West African oral legends and traditions. Participatory workshops (percussion, crafts, cooking) allowed visitors to immerse themselves actively in Togolese culture. In the evening, Afrobeat, coupé-décalé, and Afropop concerts and DJ sets kept the party going until nightfall.
The Afro Market and Togolese Gastronomy
The ToGo Art Festival would not be complete without its dedicated space for crafts and gastronomy. An Afro market brought together Togolese and West African artisans and creators, offering textiles (kente, wax print), jewelry, sculptures, decorative objects, and natural cosmetic products. Togolese cuisine—fufu, corn paste, peanut sauce, grilled meat skewers, and exotic fruit juices—delighted the taste buds of festival-goers. This gastronomic aspect is an essential component of the festival''s identity, aiming to celebrate Togolese culture in all its dimensions.
A Community and Inclusive Initiative
Beyond being a cultural showcase, the ToGo Art Festival is a deeply inclusive community project. The Act'Dem association advocates for the visibility of African cultures in France and for intercultural dialogue within French society. By establishing this festival in Arcueil, a city with a high degree of cultural diversity, the organizers aim to create a space for meeting and dialogue between Togolese, African, and French communities of all origins, in a spirit of fraternity and sharing.
ToGo Art — edition 2026
The 2nd edition of the ToGo Art Festival took place from April 11 to 18, 2026, in Arcueil (94), on the theme "Togo – Roots and Modernity". A cultural week featuring free access exhibitions, workshops, readings, and screenings, and a big festive day on Saturday, April 18, at Espace Julio Gonzalez: concerts, dance, slam, rap, Afro market, and Togolese gastronomy. Singer Laura Prince was the patron of this edition.
2026 Edition — "Togo, Roots and Modernity"
Building on the success of its first edition in 2025, the ToGo Art Festival offered from April 11 to 18, 2026 a second edition expanded to several locations in Arcueil, centered around the theme "Togo – Roots and Modernity". Organized by the Act'Dem association, this edition diversified formats to celebrate the art and culture of Togo and West Africa.
A week of free access events
From April 11 to 17, the La Vache Noire shopping center hosted an artisan market (AssiganMé) and exhibitions bringing together more than 45 exhibitors, with free access from 10 am to 8 pm. The Louis Pergaud Media Library, Espace Jean Vilar, and Cabane du Quartier complemented this program: Togolese percussion and dance workshops, exhibition and performance by artist Dziart, screening of a Togolese film followed by brunch, musical reading of Raphaëlle Red's book Adikou with Laura Prince, and a Togolese cooking workshop.
The big festive day of April 18
On Saturday, April 18, Espace Julio Gonzalez (21 avenue Paul Doumer) hosted a continuous day from 10 am to 11 pm: dance, slam, and rap performances in the afternoon (DJ Krispee, Sassou, Tralala Band), followed by evening concerts. As the patron of the edition, singer, author, and composer Laura Prince embodied the spirit of the festival, a living bridge between traditions and modernity of Togolese and African creation.
A community and inclusive initiative
Carried by the Act'Dem association, committed since 2012 to the representation of African cultures and against discrimination, this second edition confirmed the festival's roots in Arcueil as a Togolese and West African cultural event in Val-de-Marne.
Programme ToGo Art 2026
From Saturday, April 11 to Friday, April 17, 2026 — La Vache Noire Shopping Center
- 10 am–8 pm — Afro artisan market (AssiganMé) and exhibitions, free access (over 45 exhibitors)
Saturday, April 11 — Louis Pergaud Media Library
- 10:30 am — Togolese percussion and dance workshop (children aged 9 and up)
- 11:30 am — Same workshop for adults
- 4:30 pm — Exhibition and artistic performance by Dziart (free admission)
Sunday, April 12 — Espace Jean Vilar
- 11 am — Screening of a Togolese film followed by brunch
Tuesday, April 14 — Louis Pergaud Media Library
- 7 pm — Musical reading of Raphaëlle Red's book Adikou with Laura Prince, followed by a debate (free admission)
Friday, April 17 — Cabane du Quartier
- 10 am–1 pm — Togolese cooking workshop (by reservation)
Saturday, April 18 — Espace Julio Gonzalez (festive day)
- 10 am–11 pm — Continuous day
- 12 pm–7 pm — Dance, slam, and rap performances: DJ Krispee, Sassou, Tralala Band
- 8 pm–11 pm — Evening concerts
Highlights ToGo Art 2026
- 2nd edition expanded to several locations in Arcueil on the theme "Togo – Roots and Modernity"
- Laura Prince, singer-songwriter-composer, patron of the edition
- A week of exhibitions and Afro market (45+ exhibitors) with free access at La Vache Noire
- Big festive day on April 18 at Espace Julio Gonzalez: dance, slam, rap, concerts
Prices ToGo Art 2026
Practical information — ToGo Art
Practical Information
Locations
The ToGo Art Festival takes place at several locations in Arcueil. The main festive day on Saturday is held at the Espace Julio Gonzalez, 21 avenue Paul Doumer, 94110 Arcueil. Throughout the week, the craft market and exhibitions take over the La Vache Noire shopping center, while other events take place at the Médiathèque Louis Pergaud, the Espace Jean Vilar, the Cabane du Quartier, and in the courtyard of the Henri Barbusse school.
Access
By public transport: RER B, Laplace station (Arcueil-Cachan). Bus 162, 162bis, 187. The La Vache Noire shopping center is served by the same station.
Ticketing
Most of the week's events (exhibitions, Afro market, readings, screenings) are free to access. Only the main festive day on Saturday is paid (online ticketing on togoartfestival.com). Reservation is recommended for some workshops.
Contact
Association Act'Dem — [email protected] — 07 81 35 00 84. Full program and news on togoartfestival.com and the ToGo Art Festival Facebook page.
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Where does it take place — ToGo Art
Espace Julio Gonzalez
21 Avenue Paul Doumer, 94110 Arcueil