Elvira Dyangani Ose has been appointed as the new Artistic Director of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, effective October 1, 2026. Succeeding the late Koyo Kouoh, Dyangani Ose will guide the museum’s curatorial vision as the institution approaches its tenth anniversary, bringing extensive international and pan-African leadership experience to South Africa.
The Bottom Line:
- The Appointment: Elvira Dyangani Ose steps into the role of Artistic Director starting October 1, 2026, following a thorough local and international search by the Zeitz MOCAA board.
- The Legacy: She succeeds the late Koyo Kouoh, who passed away in May 2025 shortly after being named artistic director of the 2026 Venice Biennale, leaving a foundational mark on the Cape Town institution.
- Global Pedigree: Dyangani Ose brings institutional experience from her previous leadership at the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) and The Showroom London, alongside her current role directing the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial.
Navigating a Monumental Succession at the Silo District Flagship
When the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa opened in Cape Town’s Silo District, it reshaped the architectural and cultural skyline of the V&A Waterfront. Following the passing of former director Koyo Kouoh in May 2025, the institution faced a monumental task. Kouoh had built Zeitz MOCAA into a global powerhouse and had been selected as the first African woman to head the Venice Biennale.
Finding a successor required an executive who could straddle deep continental linkages while commanding respect in international art circles. Enter Elvira Dyangani Ose. Announced on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, her appointment signals a visionary hand ready to pilot the museum into its second decade. Zeitz MOCAA co-founder and co-chair David Green OBE noted that the board’s extensive search landed on a leader whose career mirrors the museum’s core identity: deeply rooted in Africa yet connected to the global stage.
A Proven Track Record Across Global Capitals
Dyangani Ose does not step into Cape Town as an untested newcomer. Her curatorial footprint stretches across three continents. She previously served as the director of the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) and The Showroom in London. Her resume also boasts curatorial posts at the Tate Modern in London and Creative Time in New York. Currently, she is the artistic director for the second Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial covering 2026 to 2027.
Co-founder Jochen Zeitz emphasized that her arrival comes at a defining moment for the institution. As the museum approaches its tenth anniversary, Dyangani Ose is expected to expand artistic ambitions across research, public engagement, collections, and exhibitions. Her collaborative leadership style and long-standing championing of artists from Africa and its diaspora make her a fit for an institution dedicated to presenting cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions and art historical knowledge.
| Institutional Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Predecessor | The late Koyo Kouoh |
| Previous Leadership Roles | Director at MACBA (Barcelona) and The Showroom (London); Curator at Tate Modern and Creative Time |
| Current Concurrent Role | Artistic Director, Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial (2026–2027) |
What This Means for the Future of African Contemporary Art
The arts community has responded with endorsement. South African visual artist and cultural historian Sue Williamson remarked during the reveal event that the board made a good choice.
Dyangani Ose herself acknowledged the privilege of the posting. Her stated mission centers on fostering meaningful collaborations and cross-cultural artistic exchanges.
