The 61st Venice Biennale, running from May 9 to November 22, 2026, marks a seismic shift in the global art world as African voices take center stage. Under the theme In Minor Keys, the exhibition honors the vision of the late Koyo Kouoh, the first African woman appointed to lead the Biennale. Her concept, centered on marginalized narratives and collective healing, is being carried forward by her curatorial team. A record 13 African nations are hosting pavilions, including debuts from Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Somalia. To navigate this landmark moment, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) and Africa.com have launched a NMAfA Biennale Companion App, featuring Art Ambassadors who guide engagement with artists and pavilions. The app’s Africa-centered design ensures users experience the Biennale through an authentic cultural lens, transforming individual visits into a shared community journey celebrating African art on its own terms.
Africa.com
