Venice: Koyo Kouoh has been appointed as the new Director of the Visual Arts Sector of the Venice Biennale, tasked with curating the 61st International Art Exhibition in 2026. The announcement was made by the Board of Directors of the Biennale on Tuesday, following the proposal from President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco.
According to Ansa News Agency, Kouoh, aged 57, brings a rich heritage from both Cameroon and Switzerland. Since 2019, she has served as the Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa located in Cape Town, South Africa. Her career also includes founding the Raw Material Company in Dakar, Senegal, an institution dedicated to art, knowledge, and society.
In addition to her leadership roles, Kouoh has contributed to major international art exhibitions as part of the curatorial teams for documenta 12 in 2007 and documenta 13 in 2012. Her extensive experience in the art world is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Venice Biennale.
A notable moment in
her career was captured during the 69th annual Berlin Film Festival on February 12, 2019, where she was photographed alongside Festival director Dieter Kosslick during the photocall of the International Short Film Jury.
