Celebrating art and community: highlights from the Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2026

On a warm February evening, Zeitz MOCAA welcomed close to 200 artists, patrons, and friends from around the world to its fifth annual Gala held on 20 February 2026. This much-anticipated event, which took place during Cape Town Art Week, served not only as a celebration of contemporary art but also as a crucial fundraising initiative supporting the museum’s mission to exhibit, collect, preserve, and research art from Africa and its diaspora.

The Gala's lavish festivities were masterfully guided by Emmy Award–winning storyteller Thando Dlomo, who brought together a vibrant community of committed supporters eager to help amplify African and diasporic voices within the global art landscape. Proceeds from the evening directly bolster the museum's curatorial and educational programmes, allowing for the continued presentation of ambitious international exhibitions and enriching learning experiences accessible to all.

A highlight of the evening was the prestigious presentation of the Zeitz MOCAA Honorary Awards, recognising the significant contributions of luminaries within the art industry. The Honorary Award for Artistic Excellence was bestowed upon celebrated Malian artist Abdoulaye Konaté for his profound influence on contemporary African art. The Honorary Award for Philanthropic Achievement was granted to Dr Anita Blanchard and Martin Nesbitt for their unwavering support of cultural access initiatives. Meanwhile, the Visionary Award was awarded to Justice Albie Sachs, acknowledged for his lifelong dedication to justice and freedom of expression, highlighting the power of art as a vehicle for liberation.

This year's Gala bore special significance as the museum community celebrated the life and legacy of the late Koyo Kouoh. Since her tenure began in 2019, Kouoh had redefined the institution through her bold curatorial vision and advocacy for African and Afro-diasporic artists. In tribute, Zeitz MOCAA announced the renaming of its esteemed Atelier Artist Residency Programme to the Koyo Kouoh Atelier. Co-Founder and Co-Chair David Green emphasised Kouoh's lasting impact, stating, “Koyo did not just open doors for artists; she helped build the rooms in which they stand.” This initiative will ensure that Cape Town–based artists remain central to the museum’s future, fulfilling Kouoh's vision of expanded artistic inclusivity.

The Gala also served to reignite the call for support towards the museum’s educational initiatives. Liesl Hartman, Head of the BMW Centre for Art Education, introduced guests to MOCAA on the Move, an innovative mobile art classroom and exhibition space designed to extend the museum's reach into Cape Town's communities. Additionally, the Zeitz MOCAA & University of the Western Cape (UWC) Museum Fellowship Programme was highlighted by Senior Curator and Head of Curatorial Affairs, Dr Greer Valley. This collaborative initiative seeks to invest in the next generation of African museum professionals and curators, ensuring the continuation of artistic dialogue and scholarship within the continent's vibrant cultural landscape.

As Zeitz MOCAA approaches its landmark 10th anniversary in 2027, Co-Founder and Co-Chair Jochen Zeitz reflected on the journey thus far, stating, “Together, we must ensure that Zeitz MOCAA remains strong and forward-looking. Your advocacy and generosity will shape the next chapter.” This sentiment echoed throughout the evening, reinforcing the importance of a committed community of supporters eager to nurture the future of South African and African art. The success of the museum, as it seeks to reshape the cultural narrative, relies on collaboration, generosity, and shared vision.