Short Description:

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is a public, not-for-profit institution that exhibits, collects, preserves and researches contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora; conceives and hosts international exhibitions; develops supporting educational, discursive and enrichment programmes; encourages intercultural understanding; and strives for access for all.

The Zeitz MOCAA & UWC Museum Fellowship Programme represents a groundbreaking initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of African cultural leaders. This unique collaboration between Zeitz MOCAA – Africa’s preeminent museum of contemporary art – and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) – a globally recognized institution for critical humanities scholarship – offers an unparalleled opportunity to bridge theory and practice in the museum field.

Now in its fourth year, the fellowship addresses a critical need for specialized training in African museology, providing fellows with both the intellectual framework and hands-on experience necessary to transform the continent’s cultural landscape. The program’s innovative structure combines:

  • Immersive museum training at Zeitz MOCAA (3 days/week), where fellows work alongside senior staff on exhibitions, collections, and public programs
  • Academic coursework at UWC (2 days/week), delivering rigorous postgraduate study in curatorship, heritage management, and public history

By uniting these two powerhouse institutions, the fellowship creates a dynamic space for reimagining African narratives in global art discourse while developing practical skills to sustain the continent’s growing cultural infrastructure.

Submission Requirements

  1. A cover/motivation letter.
  2. A full CV.
  3. A short biography of 250 words.
  4. An original sample of critical writing of no less than 1000 words (eg. an exhibition review, curatorial concept, or short essay)
  5. A Letter of Recommendation.
  6. A high resolution portrait picture of yourself.
  7. Copies of academic degree certificates.
  8. Copies of full academic transcripts (including all grades acheived)

Program Benefits / Awards

  • Full tuition at UWC
  • Monthly stipend, accommodation, and basic health insurance
  • Travel/visa costs are not covered

Eligibility:

  1. A Bachelor’s degree in an art, heritage or museum studies or other relevant humanities field, with a demonstrated capacity to work at a postgraduate level. In exceptional cases, it is possible for deserving applicants to be admitted to postgraduate study after they have demonstrated an equivalent level of learning through work experience.
  2. Knowledge of contemporary art and heritage from Africa and the African Diaspora.
  3. Excellent writing skills.
  4. Interest and/ experience in an art-related career.
  5. 2-3 years of relevant work experience.
  6. Citizenship of an African country.
  7. Proficiency in English.
  8. Successful applicants will be expected to participate in the full 12-month programme on a full-time basis starting February 2026 to January 2027.

 Entry Fee:

None

Location:

South Africa

Deadline:

30 June 2025

Website link: 

https://zeitzmocaa.museum/about-us

FellowshipStipend