Reinventing Fashion, Weaving the Future
The vibrant crossroads of African art, culture, and innovation. CIAAC unites master artisans, designers, and visual creators to celebrate Beninese heritage and open global markets.
500+
Creators & youth trained
12+
Protected craft traditions
30+
Certified workshops
SIAM 2026
Dec. 4-6 • Cotonou
The SIAM-AWALÉ 2026 Creative Ecosystem
An integrated platform for heritage elevation, professionalization of creators, and direct global market access.
SIAM Business Lab (B2B)
Business mentoring, direct meetings with international buyers, value chain structuring, and fund mobilization for African creators.
Register for B2B Lab →Official Tickets & Passes
Reserve your VIP access to the Bakindi Fashion gala runways, high-level keynotes, masterclasses, and awards ceremony.
Book your passes →Partnerships & Ambassadors
Engage your institution, corporation, embassy, or cultural foundation alongside CIAAC to champion authentic African bio-creation.
Propose a Partnership →Eco-Tourist Journey (RAR)
Discover Benin through authentic cultural immersion: royal heritage cities, ancestral Kanvo looms, and biological dye plantations.
Explore RAR Journey →Sponsorship & Patronage
Associate your brand with Africa’s landmark bio-creation and ethical fashion summit for high-impact pan-African visibility.
Become a Sponsor →SIAM Marketplace
Commercial boutique dedicated to artisans and designers to sell authentic creations directly to international galleries and private collectors.
Access Marketplace →Why Art? The CIAAC Manifesto
Art is not an elitist luxury; it is the living soul of a sovereign nation and the primary engine of dignified employment for our youth.
Educational & Social Role
In Benin, art is the primary history book. Through sculpted symbols, Abomey royal tapestries, and traditional rhythms, it transmits collective memory and teaches dignity and solidarity.
Our immediate priority is active support for schooling: 25 children in the Apakpa district (Cotonou) are currently supported through our emergency appeal.
Strategic Economic Driver
Cultural and creative industries represent an endless source of employment. From Kanvo weavers to interior architects, jewelers, and gallery managers, every franc invested irrigates the real economy.
Programme AWALÉ 2026 structures this craftsmanship into resilient businesses capable of meeting rigorous international standards.
Discover Authentic African Art & Craft
Each piece embodies a philosophy of life and daily wellness inspired by harmony with nature.
Fashion & Textile
Solar Tunic in Royal Kanvo
100% Organic Beninese cotton, natural botanical indigo
Sculptural tunic merging royal Kanvo strips with contemporary cuts. A timeless creation celebrating dignity.
Request Quote / Order →
Visual Arts
Terracotta Memories
Fired clay, natural ochre pigments, plant fibers
Totemic sculpture honoring ancestral keepers of the royal Abomey plateau.
Request Quote / Order →
Performing Arts
Guèlèdè Sacred Masks
Live performance, traditional drums, polychrome masks
UNESCO-recognized performance honoring maternal protection and community harmony.
Request Booking →Spotlight Creators: Bakindi Fashion
11 Beninese stylists, master weavers, and accessory designers selected to spearhead ethical African luxury.
AWALÉ 2026
Solange Codjia
Afro-contemporary couture & textile noble craft
Pioneer of Beninese elegance, Solange reinvents royal fabrics through refined architectural tailoring.
AWALÉ 2026
Sophie Abi Fanou
Eco-design & natural botanical fiber fusion
Sophie brings vibrant modernity to organic Beninese cotton and sustainable plant-based dyes.
AWALÉ 2026
Nadège Hachémè
Fine art embroidery & ceremonial apparel
Renowned for exquisite craftsmanship celebrating royal court ceremonies with bold contemporary flair.
Major Cultural Highlights in Benin
Explore the benchmark summits coordinated by CIAAC and cultural institutions.
04 - 06 Décembre 2026
AWALÉ 2026 : Réinventer la Mode
Pan-African summit for bio-creation, sustainable textiles, and ethical fashion. Three days of gala runways and B2B labs.
Book Festival Passes →
09 - 11 Janvier 2026
Vodoun Days 2026
Global celebration of Beninese spirituality, sacred art, and traditional mask performance.
Discover Program →
17 - 22 Février 2026
Festival FInAB
Crossroads uniting theater, dance, cinema, visual arts, and crafts pavilions.
Event Details →What International Experts Say
The ethical dedication of CIAAC restores the genuine prestige of African textiles in Paris and worldwide.
As a designer, CIAAC provides unparalleled visibility and structured access to high-value international buyers.
The mastery and passion in every workshop are exemplary. A model for the entire West African region.
Join the AWALÉ 2026 Movement
Support our community schooling program, acquire certified artisan masterpieces, or become an official institutional sponsor.