South Africa Confirms Participation in 2026 Venice Biennale with New Collaborative Model

South Africa to Feature at 61st Venice Biennale

South Africa has officially announced its participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia, set to take place from May 9 to November 22, 2026, in Venice, Italy. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) confirmed its involvement in one of the world's most influential platforms for contemporary art.

Innovative Partnership with Art Periodic South Africa

For the first time, DSAC is adopting a new approach, partnering with the non-governmental organization Art Periodic South Africa (A°P) to deliver the South African Pavilion. A°P, a registered non-profit organization, submitted an unsolicited expression of interest to undertake the fundraising, administration, and production of the pavilion, a proposal accepted by DSAC after due consideration. This collaboration signifies a move from a purely government-led process to a sector-driven model, aiming to foster transparency, inclusivity, and shared ownership of the pavilion.

While A°P will manage the operational aspects, DSAC will continue its support by securing South Africa's official exhibition space within the Arsenale, one of the Biennale's key venues. The Ambassador of South Africa to Italy has also been formally appointed as the Commissioner of the Pavilion.

Open Call for Curatorial Proposals and Advisory Committee

To ensure broad participation and diverse representation, A°P launched a national Open Call for curatorial exhibition proposals on November 7, 2025. Interested South African curators, collectives, galleries, and organizations are invited to submit their ideas, with a deadline of November 24, 2025. The selected exhibition is scheduled to be publicly announced on January 8, 2026.

A multi-sector Advisory Committee will be established to provide guidance on long-term sustainability, partnerships, and the selection process, ensuring the pavilion reflects the depth and diversity of South Africa's visual arts ecosystem.

Aligning with the Biennale's Theme: 'In Minor Keys'

The South African Pavilion's conceptual framework will align with the central exhibition of the 61st Venice Biennale, titled 'In Minor Keys'. This theme, conceived by the late curator Koyo Kouoh, explores concepts of care, resilience, and the resonance of under-heard cultural expressions. Kouoh, who was named the artistic director, tragically passed away in May 2025, but her chosen theme will proceed as planned, realized by a curatorial team she assembled.

Historical Context of South Africa at the Biennale

South Africa has a long history of participation in the Venice Biennale, dating back to 1950. The country experienced periods of exclusion, notably during the apartheid era, before re-entering the international art scene at the Biennale in 1993 and 1995. This renewed participation in 2026 underscores South Africa's ongoing commitment to showcasing its artistic excellence and cultural innovation on a global stage.