Arts and Culture in Professional Training Programmes at Beninese State Universities: From Marginalisation to Progressive Reintegration

Artistic and cultural education has long been marginalised in the professional training provision of public universities in Benin. Individuals aspiring to artistic and cultural careers frequently travel to the West to pursue higher education, or instead they resort to self-study. In 2015, the creation of the Institut National des Métiers d'Art, d'Archéologie et de la Culture (INMAAC; National Institute for Artistic, Archaeological and Cultural Professions) made it possible to offer training more suited to the expanding needs and qualifications of arts and cultural professionals. But what has been the impact of the marginalisation of arts and culture on the professional world? What new prospects are offered by INMAAC to revitalise training? This article explores these two questions through a critical re-reading of specialist literature and oral interviews with cultural collaborators and students as well as an analysis of two collective projects carried out by INMAAC students as part of their course. The article provides a basis for reflection on the need for better integration of the arts and culture within public higher education in Benin. © 2024 International African Institute.