South Africa sets out vision and leadership for the Venice Biennale 2026

South Africa is preparing to take the global stage once again. Art Periodic South Africa (A°P), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and with Latitudes Online as Strategic and Media Partner, is proud to unveil the governance framework for the South African Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia (2026).

This marks the beginning of a new chapter, one built on collaboration, transparency, and collective authorship. The Pavilion will be delivered through a public–private partnership that balances curatorial independence with public accountability, ensuring a model of shared national stewardship.

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A Collaborative Approach to Cultural Representation

Recognising the importance of continuity in representing South Africa at this landmark international event, DSAC and Art Periodic South Africa (A°P) have formalised a partnership to jointly realise the 2026 Pavilion.

Through this collaboration, the Pavilion’s governance and delivery will be strengthened by inclusive sectoral participation, transparent financial management, and broad-based professional expertise.

How the Pavilion will be governed

The Pavilion is guided by a hybrid leadership model that brings together government, civil society, and the independent arts sector:

• The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) provides institutional support and funds the Pavilion’s national space in the Arsenale, Venice.
• The Ambassador of South Africa to Italy serves as Commissioner of the Pavilion, representing the Republic in Venice.
• Art Periodic South Africa (A°P) acts as administrator and producer, responsible for governance, fundraising, and delivery under independent audit.
• Latitudes Online serves as Strategic and Media Partner, leading communications, fundraising storytelling, and sectoral engagement.

All Pavilion activities are managed within an independently audited framework, ensuring that every decision and contribution is handled with transparency and integrity.

Curatorial and Advisory Committees

Two core committees are being established to guide the Pavilion’s direction and uphold its values of excellence, inclusivity, and long-term impact.

• The Curatorial Selection Committee focuses on what will be shown, overseeing the review of proposals and the selection of the curatorial team that will represent South Africa at the Venice Biennale. Its members are curators and arts professionals with proven experience curating major exhibitions locally and internationally, ensuring that the Pavilion achieves the highest standards of artistic and conceptual excellence.
• The Advisory Committee focuses on how the Pavilion functions, providing strategic insight into funding, sustainability, education, partnerships, and legacy development. Comprising leaders from the arts, business, academic, and philanthropic sectors, the Advisory Committee ensures that the Pavilion operates responsibly and with long-term benefit for South Africa’s cultural landscape.

Committee appointments and auditors are being finalised and will be publicly announced once formal documentation and acceptance procedures are complete.

Open Call for Curatorial Proposals, Now Live

South Africa’s Open Call for Curatorial Proposals for the 2026 Venice Biennale is officially open.Independent curators, collectives, and institutions from across the country are invited to submit exhibition concepts for the South African Pavilion, responding to Koyo Kouoh’s central exhibition, In Minor Keys, a reflection on care, resilience, and the power of under-heard voices.

Given the condensed timeline, proposals do not need to be exhaustive. Applicants are encouraged to share clear, compelling curatorial ideas supported by concise conceptual frameworks and indicative budgets. Full technical details can be developed in collaboration with A°P during later phases.

This call is about vision, not perfection, inviting curators to propose bold, thoughtful ideas that reflect a distinct South African perspective and contribute to the global conversation Koyo began.

Deadline: 24 November 2025
Full guidelines and application materials are available at www.artperiodic.co.za.

This is a unique opportunity to shape how South Africa’s creative voices are seen and heard on the world stage, and to help define the nation’s cultural narrative at one of the most influential art exhibitions in the world.

Get Involved: Support the South African Pavilion 2026

To realise the Pavilion, Art Periodic South Africa (A°P) is inviting corporates, foundations, and individuals to play an active role in supporting South Africa’s participation at the 2026 Venice Biennale.

This shared national effort will help strengthen South Africa’s cultural presence internationally and build a sustainable model for future representation. All partnerships are administered through A°P’s non-profit structure, in alignment with DSAC guidelines, and subject to annual audit and public reporting.

Your support directly contributes to the realisation of our national pavilion.

Every partnership, large or small, strengthens South Africa’s cultural voice internationally. Together, we can demonstrate how collaboration between government, business, and the creative community can sustain national creativity as a shared civic mission.

To explore partnership opportunities or make a contribution, please contact info@artperiodic.co.za or visit www.artperiodic.co.za.

A Shared National Effort

The South African Pavilion 2026 represents what is possible when government, artists, and civil society work together. It marks a long-term commitment to a sustainable, transparent model for South Africa’s participation in global cultural platforms, one that honours our artists, strengthens our institutions, and inspires future generations.

By engaging as a curator, funder, partner, or supporter, every South African can play a role in ensuring that our creative voices continue to resonate on the world’s most important stage.

Stay Connected

General and Partnership Enquiries
info@artperiodic.co.za | partnerships@artperiodic.co.za www.artperiodic.co.za

Media Enquiries
info@latitudes.online
www.latitudes.online