On the occasion of the 61st Biennale de Venezia and in commemoration of Koyo Kouoh’s curatorial framework for this year’s Biennale edition titled In Minor Keys, ART AFRICA will publish our forthcoming edition within this thematic context.
2 April 2026
Call & Response: The Antiphonal Rhythms of Africa, the ART AFRICA Editorial Programme at the 61st Biennale de Venezia 2026.
Symphonic thinking
Africa writes its own score, a resonance at its core.
Responding in antiphonal rhythm, ancient wisdom conserved evermore.
Line upon line, memory held in every note long before the world could hear, the chorus was already more.
A living symphony the world cannot ignore.
Africa will always write its own score!
If this is your first encounter with our programme, here’s a brief introduction.
We’ll be in Venice during the Biennale running an editorial programme under the theme Call & Response, in conversation with this year’s framework, In Minor Keys, curated by Koyo Kouoh.
We highlight the African and Afro-diasporic presence—its current state, historical shaping, and future direction.
This is not a single fixed event. Our programme unfolds throughout our time in Venice—through conversations, interviews, documentation, and presence in the space.
1. The Programme (What/Where/When)
• Venice, Italy — during the 61st Biennale de Venezia (We will announce our address in Venice soon)
• Dates: 02 May – 17 May 2026
• Working title: Call & Response: The Antiphonal Rhythms of Africa
We’ll be moving through pavilions, exhibitions, and independent spaces — engaging people directly and documenting what’s happening on the ground.
2. Why we’re there (Editorial + Print focus)
ART AFRICA’s editorial team will be working towards our forthcoming edition.
• We’ll be conducting video interviews and recordings
• These will live alongside the final publication
• Together, they form a mixed-media editorial body of work
The videos capture the immediacy of the moment.
The writing reflects on it.
ART AFRICA digital edition and, funding dependent, a print edition will focus on:
African representation — past, present, and future — in relation to the Venice Biennale, and within the longer history of Venice itself.
For clarity: Our purpose is not to act as a conventional news or media platform.
We are here to thoughtfully document the moment for historical significance.
3. HOW IT WORKS (Two Phases)
PHASE 1 — On the ground (Venice)
• Oral and filmic documentation
• Interviews with artists, curators, organisers
• Capturing conversations as they happen
Phase 2 — After Venice
• Writing, essays, and editorial pieces
• Developing a cohesive digital/print publication
• Expanding the material into longer-form reflections
4. Announcing the ART AFRICA Foundation
This is the first project of the ART AFRICA Foundation marking:
• A transition towards a not-for-profit model
• No longer a commercial ask
• Focused on tarchiving and contribution
If you’re in Venice…
We are open to conversations with anyone and everyone.
No hierarchy, no gatekeeping, no formalities.
Our team is actively making space to engage with as many voices as possible —
If you have something to say, we want to hear it.
Whether it’s a planned conversation, a quick exchange, or something that happens by chance — it all matters.
Come find us.
Join us for a drink.
Stop us mid-walk.
Start a conversation.
Act now—if you have Afro-diasporic insight, contact us editor@artafricamagazine.org.
Don’t wait—introduce yourself and connect with our team.
