Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2026 | Friday, 20 february
Zeitz MOCAA is honoured to announce its Annual Gala, taking place on Friday, 20 February 2026. This Gala holds profound significance as it will be the first since the passing of our beloved Executive Director and Chief Curator, Koyo Kouoh. A defining voice in the global arts landscape, Koyo championed a curatorial practice rooted in criticality, care, and cultural agency. During her tenure, she redefined the role of the museum on the continent and beyond—positioning Zeitz MOCAA as a critical platform for dialogue, learning, and artistic excellence. The Gala, the museum’s most important gathering, will carry forward Koyo’s legacy of artistic celebration this year.
koyo kouoh (1967 - 2025)
Koyo’s curatorial career spanned decades, from founding RAW Material Company in Dakar, Senegal, to her historic appointment as Curator of the 61st International Art Exhibition of the 2026 Venice Biennale, titled In Minor Keys (9 May – 22 November 2026). Her voice reshaped conversations around equity, restitution, and representation in the arts, establishing her as one of the most influential cultural leaders of her generation.
Koyo fiercely advocated for artists as thinkers, exhibitions as spaces for dialogue, and the museum as a civic space—an active agent that caters to and nurtures society. Koyo believed in art as a tool for connection, a language for truth, and a pathway toward collective healing—a belief that continues to inspire us to build, to strive, and to dream together. Her vision endures, not only through Zeitz MOCAA, but through those who were moved by her leadership and remain committed to advancing her life’s work.
The Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2026 marks a moment for us to reflect on the milestones that have shaped the institution’s transformative journey thus far. It is also an opportunity to step into the next chapter with intent and determination—to grow and nurture the next generation of thinkers, curators, and artists while advancing inclusive practices that reflect the evolving realities of our continent. We remain committed to fostering a dynamic, accessible and forward-thinking arts ecosystem, guided by a renewed resolve to build a legacy that uplifts the art community across the continent and beyond.
Photographed by Imraan Christian
join us in celebrating the artistic excellence of africa and its diaspora
The Zeitz MOCAA Gala is the museum’s annual fundraiser, drawing a global, regional and local audience of patrons, philanthropists, practitioners, collectors and cultural luminaries. The Gala is crucial in advancing the institution’s mission to exhibit, collect, preserve and research contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Proceeds from the Gala directly benefit the museum’s curatorial and education programming, enabling the institution to conceive and host international exhibitions; develop supporting educational, discursive and enrichment programmes; encourage intercultural understanding; and ensure access for all. Join us in honouring Koyo Kouoh at the 2026 Zeitz MOCAA Gala while celebrating contemporary art, culture, and philanthropy.
Your Gala Ticket Contribution Includes
Exclusive Access to the Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2026
A premier fundraising evening featuring curated art, design, entertainment, and a celebration of contemporary African creativity.
Invitation to the Collateral Programme
A curated series of events leading up to the Gala, including:
– Artist studio visits
– Private collection viewings
– Conversations with curators and thought leaders
– Cocktail receptions and cultural experiences across Cape Town
VIP Access to Investec Cape Town Art Fair (ICTAF)
Includes preview evening and priority access to selected fair programming
Support for Zeitz MOCAA’s Mission
Your contribution directly supports:
– Exhibitions and educational programming
– Artist residencies and community engagement
– The long-term sustainability of Africa’s leading contemporary art institution
For reservations or additional information, please contact Zeitz MOCAA Partnerships Manager and director of the annual fundraising Gala, Tiffany Andrews, at tiffany.andrews@zeitzmocaa.museum.
Event Ticket Pricing
| ZAR STD | ZAR VIP | |
| Single Ticket | R32 500 | R38 500 |
| Table for Ten | R246 000 | R352 000 |
| USD STD | USD VIP | |
| Single Ticket | $1,800 | $2,200 |
| Table for Ten | $14,000 | $20,000 |
Book Your Tickets
Zeitz MOCAA has always been a museum with a bold vision.
As we look ahead, that vision is more ambitious and expansive than ever: to push boundaries, amplify
African voices, and create a museum experience deeply rooted in Africa while engaging in global conversations
A museum is only as strong as the community that supports it, and we are incredibly fortunate to have champions
across the world who believe in our mission.
The future of contemporary art in Africa is unfolding before us, and Zeitz MOCAA is ready to lead the way.
Madame Koyo
Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2025
gala 2025 look-back
donate
Are you unable to attend the Zeitz MOCAA fundraising Gala but would still like to contribute? We welcome your donation in support of our mission to produce and present cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions and art historical knowledge, enhance the careers of Africa’s most talented artists in the 21st century and beyond, strengthen its education programmes and ensuring access for all.
Please click the links below to contact the Institutional Advancement (IA) department to donate towards the museum’s Curatorial and Education programming and Endowment.
TAX BENEFITS when donating to zeitz mocaa's education programming only
Zeitz MOCAA is a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO). Should you require a Section 18A tax exemption certificate, kindly email accounts@zeitzmocaa.museum. Our S18A is restricted to donations received for Education purposes ONLY.
If you are a South African Revenue Services (SARS) registered tax payer (company or individual), your bona fide donation to Zeitz MOCAA’s education Public Benefit Activities (PBAs) entitle you to a deduction from your taxable income.