Cameroonian curator and art scholar Koyo Kouoh has been named the Artistic Director of the Venice Biennale 2026, making history as the first African woman to head the prestigious global art exhibition. This landmark appointment was announced on Tuesday by Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, who described Kouoh as a “curator, scholar, and influential public figure” set to invigorate the 130-year-old event.
A Trailblazer in African Art
Kouoh, 57, has led the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, South Africa, since 2019. Under her stewardship, Zeitz MOCAA has gained international acclaim for its bold exhibitions celebrating African art and its diaspora. Prior to this, she founded RAW Material Company in Dakar, Senegal, a creative space dedicated to art, knowledge, and society.
Born in Douala, Cameroon, and raised between Cameroon and Switzerland, Kouoh’s career has been defined by a commitment to Pan-Africanism and challenging artistic norms.
Vision for the Biennale
Expressing her gratitude for the “once-in-a-lifetime honour,” Kouoh stated:
“This mythical site allows us to feel the pulse of the zeitgeist. My vision for the 2026 Biennale is to create a show that carries meaning for the world we currently live in and most importantly, for the world we want to make.”
Her leadership will mark only the second time an African has headed the Biennale, following Nigerian art critic Okwui Enwezor, who curated the 2015 edition.
Championing Black Geographies
Kouoh’s Pan-Africanist philosophy has consistently shaped her work. Speaking to AFP in 2023, she emphasized the fluidity of African identity and its global impact:
“Africa is an idea that goes beyond borders. It’s a history that transcends geography. The African diasporic influence in the US, Brazil, Cuba, and Haiti is undeniable. I like to talk about black geographies spaces where black culture and people have profoundly shaped societies.”
A Contemporary Leader for a Historical Platform
The Venice Biennale, established in 1895, is one of the world’s most revered contemporary art shows, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every two years. Kouoh’s appointment, recommended by Pietrangelo Buttafuoco and supported by Italy’s hard-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, signals a bold move to infuse new perspectives into the event’s legacy.
Kouoh’s proven track record of celebrating African creativity and exploring the intersections of art and identity positions her as a transformative leader for the Biennale. Her 2026 edition is expected to bring groundbreaking artists and ideas to Venice, echoing her ethos of inclusivity and innovation in contemporary art.
