Historic Appointment: Koyo Kouoh Becomes First African Woman Curator of Venice Biennale
Cameroonian curator Koyo Kouoh has made history as the first African woman curator of the prestigious Venice Biennale. The announcement on December 3 solidifies her role as artistic director for the 61st edition of the global art exhibition, set to take place in 2026.
As the Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town since 2019, Kouoh has showcased works from renowned African and diaspora artists like Otobong Nkanga and Tracey Rose. Her groundbreaking leadership at Zeitz MOCAA continues to resonate with art lovers worldwide. 
Koyo Kouoh’s Remarkable Career Elevates African Voices
Before her role at Zeitz MOCAA, Kouoh founded the RAW Material Company in Dakar, Senegal, an innovative art space emphasizing critical thought and curatorial practice.
From her leadership of Africa’s largest contemporary art museum to curating eight consecutive editions of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Kouoh’s career underscores her unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanism and the global representation of Black art.
Her selection as artistic director follows in the footsteps of the late Nigerian curator Okwui Enwezor, who curated the Venice Biennale in 2015. Kouoh’s appointment highlights a renewed commitment to diverse perspectives in one of the world’s longest-running art exhibitions, established in 1895.
Artistic Vision for Venice Biennale 2026
In a statement, Kouoh described her appointment as a “once-in-a-lifetime honor” and pledged to create an exhibition reflecting today’s realities while envisioning a better future. Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco lauded her as a curator with “refined and disruptive intelligence” poised to shape the 2026 edition.
This historic moment amplifies African voices, and represents a shift in the Biennale’s traditionally Eurocentric narrative. Kouoh’s vision is expected to spotlight issues such as post-colonial legacies and global diasporic influences, aligning with her Pan-Africanist ideals.
Why This Matters for African Art
Kouoh’s trailblazing journey symbolizes the growing recognition of African innovation and artistic expression on a global stage. Her previous work, including curating When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting at Zeitz MOCAA, demonstrates her ability to merge contemporary themes with historical significance.
As the art world eagerly anticipates the 2026 Venice Biennale, this milestone highlights the power of diverse leadership in shaping cultural narratives and redefining global artistic dialogue.
Read More:
