by Richard Mudariki
The appointment of Koyo Kouoh as curator of the 2026 Venice Biennale marks not only a historic moment for African and diasporic art but also highlights the pivotal role women have long played in shaping the art world. Kouoh’s visionary leadership and commitment to rethinking global art narratives align with broader cultural shifts, as evidenced by the growing recognition of Africa's influence on the global stage.
In his book Megachange: The World in 2050, editor Daniel Franklin predicts that Africa will be at the forefront of global cultural, economic, and demographic transformations. With the continent expected to house a significant portion of the world's population and youth by 2050, its cultural institutions and creative industries are poised to play an outsized role in shaping global trends. Kouoh’s appointment, in this context, reflects a growing acknowledgment of Africa’s cultural and intellectual contributions, placing African voices at the heart of global conversations about art and society.
Women, in particular, have been the driving force behind many of these contributions, especially within the African art ecosystem. Across the continent, gallerists, curators, and cultural leaders - many of them women - are creating platforms for emerging artists and fostering cross-cultural dialogues. In Zimbabwe, Valerie Kabov has led First Floor Gallery Harare as a beacon for contemporary art. Similarly, Helen Matsvisi runs Nhaka Gallery, and Vongai Sibanda is advancing contemporary art with ABAM. Leading curators like Tandazani Dhlakama and Fadzai Muchemwa have been instrumental in curating groundbreaking exhibitions that reframe Zimbabwean art for global audiences. In Nigeria, Tokini Peterside founded Art X Lagos, one of Africa’s most influential art fairs, celebrating the continent’s creative dynamism and attracting international attention. Across the continent, women such Adenrele Sonariwo of Rele Gallery in Lagos, Marie-Cécile Zinsou of the Zinsou Foundation in Benin or Anelisa Mangcu of Under the Aegis in Cape Town are shaping the African art narrative on a global scale.
Kouoh’s appointment to one of the most prestigious curatorial roles in the world also underscores the importance of African women in global art leadership. Her achievements, from founding RAW Material Company in Dakar to transforming Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town into a global hub for contemporary African art, embody the transformative potential of women in the art world.
Locally and globally, women have historically been at the forefront of shaping the art industry, often working behind the scenes to build and sustain institutions. Kouoh’s new role reinforces the visibility of their leadership, reaffirming that women are not only gatekeepers but also trailblazers in the art world.
What makes Kouoh’s appointment particularly resonant is her focus on art as a tool for reclaiming narratives and addressing global challenges. Her previous curatorial work has shown a deep engagement with themes of identity, migration, and social justice - issues that are critical to Africa and the wider world today. Her 2026 Venice Biennale is likely to reflect these concerns, offering a platform for urgent conversations about the future of art and society.
Kouoh’s appointment is a powerful statement about the importance of inclusivity and the growing centrality of African perspectives in the art world. It confirms that the future of art is not only African but also undeniably shaped by the vision and leadership of women. For the 2026 Venice Biennale, we can all expect a groundbreaking exhibition that reflects the vibrancy, complexity, and dynamism of our interconnected world, with Africa at the helm.
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