The 61st Venice Biennale, titled 'In Minor Keys,' will proceed as a posthumous tribute to its late Artistic Director, Koyo Kouoh, who passed away in May 2025. Before her death, Kouoh had already finalized the curatorial framework, artist selection, and exhibition architecture during a pivotal meeting at her RAW Material Company in Dakar. The exhibition is scheduled to run from May 9 to November 22, 2026, across the Giardini, Arsenale, and various Venetian venues.
This edition marks a significant moment for the Biennale as it navigates the loss of its visionary leader by entrusting her core team—including Gabe Beckhurst Feijoo, Marie Hélène Pereira, and Rasha Salti—to realize her specific vision. By focusing on themes of 'enchantment,' 'seeding,' and 'generative practices,' the event aims to preserve Kouoh’s legacy of relationship-based curatorial practice while maintaining the continuity of one of the art world's most prestigious international platforms.