Koyo Kouoh's Posthumous Venice Biennale 2026 to Proceed as Planned

La Biennale di Venezia has confirmed that the 61st International Art Exhibition, 'In Minor Keys,' envisioned by the late Koyo Kouoh, will take place as planned. Scheduled from 9 May to 22 November 2026, with a preview from 6 to 8 May, the exhibition will be held at the Giardini, Arsenale, and various locations throughout Venice. Kouoh, who tragically passed away on 10 May 2025, was appointed Artistic Director of the Visual Arts Department on 17 October 2024, with the announcement made on 3 December 2024. She dedicated her efforts to the project from mid-October 2024 until early May 2025. The Biennale, with the support of her family, will bring her vision to life, aided by advisors Gabe Beckhurst Feijoo, Marie Helene Pereira, and Rasha Salti, along with editor-in-chief Siddhartha Mitter and assistant Rory Tsapayi. A new collaboration with Bvlgari as Exclusive Partner for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 editions was also revealed, while illycaffè serves as the main sponsor and Vela – Venezia Unica as a sponsor. Details, including the list of artists and participating countries, will be announced on 25 February 2026.