Koyo Kouoh, well known and loved in Cape Town art circles, is about to make waves on the global art scene. The powerhouse curator, who heads the iconic Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), has been named the artistic director for the 2026 Venice Biennale. Even more exciting? She’s the first African woman to ever take on this role. A big win for Zeitz, for Africa and for women.
If you’re into art, you probably already know Kouoh’s name. Since taking the reins at Zeitz MOCAA in 2019, she’s turned the museum into a hub for bold, groundbreaking exhibitions that spotlight African and diasporic talent. One of her standout projects, When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting (2022), explored Black self-representation over a century and earned international acclaim.
Now, she’s taking her local expertise to a global stage, promising a Biennale that reflects today’s world while imagining a better future. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime honor,” Kouoh said, adding that she’s ready to follow in the footsteps of curatorial giants while creating something uniquely her own.
Her appointment also comes at an interesting moment. The Biennale’s new president, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, has a controversial reputation due to his ties to conservative politics. But backing Kouoh’s vision seems to signal a commitment to inclusivity and innovation, even under his leadership.
Originally from Cameroon, Kouoh has made Cape Town her creative base while keeping strong ties to Dakar and Basel. Over the years, she’s built a career dedicated to amplifying African voices and challenging the status quo, working with icons like Tracey Rose and Otobong Nkanga along the way.
For Cape Town’s art scene, this feels like a huge win. One of our own is taking the global stage, and we can’t wait to see how she brings her local flair and visionary perspective to Venice in 2026.
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