Illa G. Donwahi

Born in Côte d’Ivoire, Illa G. Donwahi is President and Artistic Director of the Charles Donwahi Foundation for Contemporary Art, which she created in 2008 in Abidjan. Incubator, interactive forum venue open to all audiences, the Donwahi Foundation (FONDATION DONWAHI) supports contemporary creation in all its diversity, through a rich program of exhibitions, research residencies, masterclasses and alternative initiatives. Driven by a vision of openness and collaboration, Illa G. Donwahi initiates strategic partnerships with international institutions. In order to increase its visibility on the international artistic scene, the Fondation Donwahi has participated in major fairs such as Dak’Art, Art Paris Art Fair, 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, AKAA (Also Known As Africa),… In 2024, Illa G. Donwahi was appointed Commissioner of the Ivory Coast Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale, strengthening her role as an independent curator and key actress in the world of contemporary art. Invited as a speaker, juror or panelist, she has collaborated with prestigious international programs and events, including the Cape Town Art Fair, the Pompidou Center/Art Market Day 2023, CatchLight (2020), the Ouagadougou International Sculpture Biennale,… Through her commitment and initiatives, Illa G. Donwahi continues to play a crucial role in highlighting contemporary artists and in the influence of contemporary African art on the world stage.