inside the zeitz mocaa gala
The Zeitz MOCAA Gala is the museum’s annual fundraiser and draws a global, regional and local audience of patrons, philanthropists, practitioners, collectors and cultural luminaries. The Gala is crucial in advancing Zeitz MOCAA’s mission to exhibit, collect, preserve and research contemporary art from Africa and its Diaspora.
As the official media partner for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, The Manor attended this exclusive event on Friday 21 February for a stellar evening where guests were treated to a red-carpet welcome, and private reception in the museum’s iconic Atrium, followed by an exceptionally curated gastronomic experience at Ocular Lounge.
The master of ceremonies, Jo-Ann Strauss, Zeitz MOCAA’s Global Council member, entrepreneur, and media personality kept the energy up before the exclusive performance by award-winning South African artist, and cover star of The Manor’s latest publication, Thandiswa Mazwai.
The evening was immaculately curated against the captivating brutalist backdrop of Zeitz MOCAA. This year’s Gala recognised multidisciplinary artist Otobong Nkanga with the Zeitz MOCAA Honorary Award for Artistic Excellence, and the museum’s Executive Director & Chief Curator Koyo Kouoh offered laudatory remarks to honour Nkanga’s exceptional contributions to the art ecology and the museum.
The much-anticipated event on the Cape Town art calendar was a celebration of the artistic excellence of the continent and its vast Diaspora — coinciding with the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and various artistic activations throughout the city.
Proceeds from the Gala directly benefit the museum’s curatorial and education programming, enabling the institution to conceive and host international exhibitions; develop supporting educational, discursive and enrichment programmes; encourage intercultural understanding; and ensure access for all.
