How African art is taking over the Venice Biennale – and the world

The Venice Biennale and Investec Cape Town Art Fair are showcasing African art, reflecting a growing trend of African creative heritage taking center stage globally. The events highlight the expanding cultural production and infrastructure across Africa.
The 61st Venice Biennale, opening on May 9, features a significant number of African artists, led by the late Koyo Kouoh's curatorial vision. This reflects a broader trend of African art gaining global prominence. The Investec Cape Town Art Fair (ICTAF) also reinforced this perspective with its 'Listen' theme, anticipating the Venice Biennale's 'In Minor Keys' iteration. ICTAF adopted a theme typically reserved for biennales, foregrounding exchange over commerce and fostering knowledge sharing. A new wave of African art institutions has emerged, including contemporary art museums and non-profits, signaling the continent's growing presence in the global art landscape. These developments are crucial in supporting cultural organizations where resources are limited.
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