Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) welcomed close to 200 artists, patrons, and friends of the institution from across the globe to its fifth annual Gala on Friday, 20 February 2026.
The event plays a critical role in supporting the museum's mission to exhibit, collect, preserve and research contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Proceeds from the Gala directly support the museum’s curatorial and education programmes, enabling the presentation and preservation of ambitious international exhibitions, the development of supporting educational, discursive and enrichment initiatives, and sustained efforts to ensure access for all.
Held during Cape Town Art Week, the Gala anchored a first-of-its-kind multi-day programme that activated the city, bringing artists, partners, and patrons into close proximity with the museum’s work. Guided by Emmy Award–winning storyteller Thando Dlomo, the evening convened committed supporters from across the globe in support of the museum’s long-term vision and commitment to generate the essential resources required to amplify African and diasporic voices.
A key moment in the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Zeitz MOCAA Honorary Awards to art industry luminaries whose contributions have strengthened the museum’s ecology and mission, and helped shape the landscape of contemporary art and its global reception.
The Honorary Award for Artistic Excellence was presented to Abdoulaye Konat? for his extraordinary practice, contributions to contemporary African art, and indelible influence on artistic discourse. The Honorary Award for Philanthropic Achievement recognised Dr Anita Blanchard and Martin Nesbitt for advancing cultural access through their global patronage of the arts and cultural institutions. The Visionary Award honoured Justice Albie Sachs for his lifelong commitment to justice and freedom of expression, and his belief in art as a force for liberation.
This year’s Gala carried profound resonance as trustees David Green, Jochen Zeitz, and Rachel Rivera joined the museum community in honouring the life and legacy of the late Koyo Kouoh whose tenure since 2019 reshaped the institution through her bold curatorial vision, unapologetic advocacy for African and Afro-diasporic artists, and her unwavering belief in the power of culture to transform society.
In tribute, Zeitz MOCAA formally announced the renaming of its Atelier Artist Residency Programme to the Koyo Kouoh Atelier. ‘This was one of the first initiatives Koyo set in motion, born from her resolve to give access to and amplify artists from Africa and its diaspora. By linking her name to this space of experimentation, we ensure the commitment that Cape Town–based artists remain a permanent part of the future. Koyo did not just open doors for artists; she helped build the rooms in which they stand, and from this evening forward, one of those rooms will carry her name,’ reflected David Green, Zeitz MOCAA Co-Founder & Co-Chair.
The evening also renewed a call to support the museum’s education and scholarship initiatives as a vital contribution to Africa’s art and heritage ecology. Head of the BMW Centre for Art Education, Liesl Hartman, introduced guests to MOCAA on the Move, an ambitious mobile art classroom and exhibition space developed to share the museum’s content and take arts education beyond its walls into communities across Cape Town and beyond. The Zeitz MOCAA & University of the Western Cape (UWC) Museum Fellowship Programme was likewise foregrounded by Senior Curator & Head of Curatorial Affairs, Dr Greer Valley, co-convenor of the programme alongside UWC’s Prof Rory Bester, as an investment in the next generation of African museum professionals and curators.
The institution now builds significant momentum as it approaches the landmark 10th anniversary in 2027. Jochen Zeitz, Zeitz MOCAA Co-Founder & Co-Chair affirmed: ‘As we soon approach our tenth anniversary, we reflect on the journey so far and what lies ahead. Our focus will be on strengthening the museum’s foundations, expanding its reach, and ensuring its long-lasting sustainability. The future success of this museum will depend not on any one individual, but on a committed community of supporters. Your advocacy and generosity will shape the next chapter. Together, we must ensure that Zeitz MOCAA remains strong and forward-looking. Thank you for being part of this journey.’
