Elvira Dyangani Ose will take over as the artistic director of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town starting October, according to official statements released by the institution. She replaces Koyo Kouoh, the former executive director and chief curator, who died last year.
Executive Leadership Restructuring at Zeitz MoCAA
Alongside the appointment, Zeitz MoCAA split its top leadership roles. The institution replaced the former title of “chief curator” with “artistic director” for Dyangani Ose, who will focus on the museum’s creative and cultural direction, according to co-founder and co-chair David Green. Speaking at a press briefing reported by the museum and Mail & Guardian, Green stated that Dyangani Ose will work alongside managing director Fawaz Mustapha, who will manage operations, finances, and corporate governance in a joint leadership model.
Did you know? Zeitz MoCAA is housed in a waterfront grain silo complex designed by Thomas Heatherwick and opened its doors in September 2017.
Curatorial Background and Institutional Experience
Dyangani Ose arrives in Cape Town with an extensive international track record. According to museum biographies, she previously served as the director of Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (Macba) and The Showroom London, and held curatorial posts at Creative Time in New York and Tate Modern in London, where she helped develop the institution’s first strategy for collecting art from Africa and its diaspora. She is also currently the artistic director of the second Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial (2026–2027) and is a doctoral candidate in the History of Art and Visual Studies at Cornell University.
As noted by the Spanish newspaper El País, Dyangani Ose’s time at Macba concluded prematurely after the museum’s governing board deemed her new position as head of the second Abu Dhabi Public Art Biennial to be “incompatible” with her duties there. Stepping down as a Venice Biennale jury member earlier this year, she cited the participation of Russia and Israel as her reason.
Building on Koyo Kouoh’s Legacy
Dyangani Ose enters the post as the museum approaches its second decade. The institution’s founding collection is made up of the holdings of Jochen Zeitz, the former chief executive of Puma. According to a media release from the museum, co-founder Jochen Zeitz highlighted that the incoming director takes the helm at a crucial juncture to broaden the institution’s creative vision across research, exhibitions, public engagement, collections, and collaboration with both artists and visitors. South African artist Sue Williamson, who attended the press announcement, described the selection as a good choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Elvira Dyangani Ose start her role at Zeitz MoCAA?
She assumes the position on October 1, according to official institutional announcements.
Who did Elvira Dyangani Ose succeed?
She replaces Koyo Kouoh, the former executive director and chief curator, who died last year.
How is the museum leadership structured under the new appointment?
Zeitz MoCAA changed the former job title of “chief curator” to “artistic director” and split the roles to have Elvira Dyangani Ose focus on the creative, artistic, and culture of the organisation, working alongside managing director Fawaz Mustapha in a joint leadership.
What is the focus of Zeitz MoCAA?
The museum exhibits, collects, preserves and researches contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.
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