The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa prepares for its second decade with a leadership change. Starting October 1, 2026, curator Elvira Dyangani Ose assumes the role of artistic director. She replaces the late Koyo Kouoh, who passed away in 2025. This transition marks a new chapter for the Cape Town landmark after several years of significant institutional shifts.
Dyangani Ose brings experience from the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona and London’s The Showroom. She also served in curatorial positions at Tate Modern and Creative Time in New York. Her current work includes directing the second Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial. Her appointment follows a period where the museum faced both high-profile successes and internal turbulence, including the 2018 resignation of its inaugural director.
Observers describe Dyangani Ose as approachable and deeply focused on global connections. During early public appearances, she signaled an interest in the link between African and diasporic cultures. Her focus remains on maintaining the museum’s identity as a space rooted in Africa while remaining relevant to international conversations about art and heritage. She plans to maintain established programs such as the Koyo Kouoh Atelier while introducing her own projects.
Co-chair David Green stated that the appointment aligns with the museum's mission to bridge local and global perspectives. The museum expects the new director to balance academic rigor with community engagement. As she steps into the role, the focus is on how she will navigate the institution's history while shaping its future direction in the Mother City.