The prestigious Venice Art Biennale has appointed Koyo Kouoh as the new Director of its Visual Arts Department for the 61st International Art Exhibition, scheduled for 2026. The announcement was made by the Board of La Biennale di Venezia following a recommendation from Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, President of La Biennale. Kouoh, a seasoned curator and art expert, becomes the first African woman to lead the renowned event.
Kouoh, originally from Cameroon, brings a wealth of experience and a global perspective to the role. She currently serves as the Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, South Africa. Since joining in 2019, Kouoh has earned international recognition for her innovative contributions to the global art scene. Previously, she was the founding Artistic Director of the RAW Material Company in Dakar, Senegal, a centre focused on art and knowledge.
Her curatorial career includes major roles at prestigious events like Documenta 12 and Documenta 13, further solidifying her reputation within the art world. Kouoh’s work emphasizes diverse narratives, with a focus on African and diasporic art, reflecting her commitment to highlighting underrepresented voices in the global cultural discourse.
Her appointment is seen as a significant moment for the Biennale, continuing its legacy of fostering global artistic dialogue. The Venice Art Biennale remains one of the most important platforms for contemporary art, drawing artists, curators, and audiences from around the world. With her extensive background in curating, Kouoh is expected to bring a fresh and dynamic vision to the 2026 exhibition.
In addition to her leadership role at Zeitz MOCAA, Kouoh’s curatorial philosophy and expertise extend across several cities, including Basel, reflecting the international scope of her work. Her recognition includes the prestigious Grand Prix Meret Oppenheim, awarded in 2020 for her outstanding contributions to art and cultural critique.
La Biennale di Venezia’s appointment of Kouoh as Director emphasizes its commitment to promoting innovation in the arts and encouraging a global exchange of ideas. As the 61st International Art Exhibition approaches, all eyes will be on Kouoh’s curation, expected to reflect her deep engagement with contemporary cultural movements and her dedication to broadening the narrative within the art world.
This announcement aligns with other notable news in the art world, including the upcoming 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, which has revealed its theme, “And all that is in between.”
