Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) has announced the addition of nine prominent figures to its Global Council.
The new appointees represent a dynamic cross-section of international leaders in the arts, philanthropy, and business: Dr. Anita Blanchard, Dave Ross, Holly Peterson, Jessica Nowitzki, Michael Armitage, Sarah Arison, Makole Mupita, Otobong Nkanga, and also Wim van Dongen. Each brings a distinct voice, reinforcing the museum’s mission to present, promote, and preserve contemporary African art and its global Diaspora.
Zeitz MOCAA Executive Director and Chief Curator, Koyo Kouoh, welcomed the new council members, describing them as “visionaries whose diverse experiences and cultural fluency will shape the museum’s trajectory as a global platform for African creativity and critical discourse.”
Among the new members, Dr. Blanchard stands out as a Chicago-based philanthropist whose ongoing support for African art has been transformative. Dave Ross, a Miami-based collector and also a practicing artist, offers a long-standing commitment to nurturing artistic talent. Holly Peterson, president of the Joan Ganz Cooney & Holly Peterson Foundation, adds her voice as an award-winning writer and cultural advocate.
Also joining are Jessica Nowitzki—art collector, consultant, and head of the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation—and celebrated artist Michael Armitage, whose practice bridges African identity with global narratives. Sarah Arison, president of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), brings deep institutional insight and a dedication to arts education. Johannesburg-based Makole Mupita, a leading figure in African finance and infrastructure, also lends critical support for sustainable cultural investment. Acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Otobong Nkanga joins alongside her husband, Wim van Dongen, who oversees her studio and brings experience in education and IT.
With this expansion, the Global Council now includes 27 influential members and continues under the leadership of Acha Leke, Senior Partner and Chairperson of McKinsey Africa. Founding members include luminaries such as Julie Mehretu, Wangechi Mutu, and Yinka Shonibare CBE RA.
Kouoh emphasized that these appointments underscore the museum’s ambition to “create a truly inclusive, innovative, and enduring cultural institution rooted in Africa but resonating globally.” As Zeitz MOCAA grows in stature, it remains committed to building a future where contemporary African art occupies its rightful place on the world stage.
This strategic move signals the institution’s deepening influence within the global art ecosystem and its unwavering commitment to advancing contemporary African art.
