February is indisputably art month in Cape Town, as the great and the good art lovers from around the world flock to the Mother City to appreciate the finest art the African continent has to offer. At the top of everyone’s scheduled list of things to do is certain to be attending the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) annual gala held at the V&A Waterfront.
This yearly event at Africa’s premier art institution is not only a super elegant gathering of the who’s who in the art world, but also an opportunity to support the work of those advancing the role of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.
The primary mission of the Zeitz MOCAA is to exhibit, collect, preserve, and research contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, as well as to conceive and host international exhibitions. The museum also plays an important educational role on the African continent, developing and supporting educational, discursive, and enrichment programmes, encouraging intercultural understanding and ensuring that all enjoy access to the world of contemporary African art.
Proceeds from February’s Zeitz MOCAA Gala directly benefit the museum’s curatorial and education programming. This includes the research and development of new exhibitions, the staging of art education workshops, and fostering the creativity and hosting of artist talks.
Koyo Kouoh, Zeitz MOCAA executive director and chief curator says the gala creates a vital space for philanthropists and corporate partners to come together in support of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora and the preservation of our continent’s rich cultural heritage. “It stands as a powerful reminder of the collective energy that sustains and strengthens Zeitz MOCAA and its BMW Centre for Art Education, reinforcing our shared commitment to nurturing the creative voices shaping Africa’s future. I warmly invite art enthusiasts, philanthropists, and corporates alike to join us to support and sustain the work of Africa’s premier art institution,” encourages Koyo.
A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Zeitz MOCAA Honorary Award for Artistic Excellence to an art industry luminary who has made exceptional contributions to the art ecology and the museum, and who has contributed to shaping the landscape of contemporary art in Africa and beyond.
Traditionally, a themed evening that inspires many memorable fashion moments, the gala begins with a red carpet welcome and a private champagne reception in the museum’s Atrium. Guests will then enjoy a gastronomic experience at Zeitz MOCAA’s level six restaurant, the Ocular Lounge.
For those wanting a more immersive Cape Town art experience, the gala has also introduced an exclusive Collateral Programme, curated and hosted by Koyo, which runs from 21 to 23 February 2025. This three-day, invitation-only programme brings together some of the world’s most celebrated art professionals and enthusiasts. It offers unparalleled access to Cape Town’s thriving art scene while fostering meaningful relationships and cultivating lasting connections. Highlights include artist walkabouts, private studio visits, gallery visits for exclusive previews, cocktail receptions, and other intimate gatherings, ensuring a memorable experience of the city’s peak summer art season.
The upcoming Zeitz MOCAA annual Gala takes place on Friday, 21 February 2025. For more information contact the museum’s partnership manager, Tiffany Andrews, at [email protected]. zeitzmocaa.museum
