Lara Koseff is a dynamic force in Africa’s contemporary art scene, seamlessly blending her roles as a curator, writer, and developer to foster cultural innovation across the continent.
Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, she brings over 15 years of experience as a curator, cultural strategist, and developer, creating platforms that elevate independent voices and foster cross-continental dialogue.
Her academic journey set the stage for a multidimensional career.
Koseff earned a BA in Fine Art (cum laude) from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2004, followed by a Master’s in Heritage Studies & Arts and Culture Management (also cum laude) in 2008.
This foundation has enabled her to approach art not just as a visual medium but as a tool for social, historical, and technological engagement.
From 2010 to 2018, Koseff was a curator at the prestigious Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg. During her tenure, she spearheaded major collaborations and was a key driver behind “South-South”, a curatorial initiative exploring artistic and cultural ties within the Global South—particularly between Africa and Latin America. This work cemented her reputation as a visionary curator committed to expanding Africa’s cultural networks.
In 2019, she co-launched UNDERLINE, an annual curatorial platform and exhibition that provides independent curators and artists with the space to present their work within a unified, high-profile showcase. UNDERLINE has quickly become a vital part of Johannesburg’s cultural calendar, promoting experimental and critical contemporary art.
Koseff further extended her commitment to mentorship and collaborative practice by co-founding the Independent Network for Contemporary Culture & Art (INCCA) in 2020.
As a nonprofit, INCCA facilitates research-based exhibitions, interdisciplinary projects, and cross-sector partnerships, creating a sustainable ecosystem for artists and curators to thrive independently.
In a bold move that reflects her embrace of technological transformation, Koseff completed a six-month intensive Software Development bootcamp in 2023.
Now equipped with front-end development and UI/UX engineering skills, she bridges the gap between the creative and tech worlds, bringing a data-informed and design-led approach to cultural production.
Whether through her curatorial leadership, her writing and research, or her new ventures into tech, Lara Koseff remains at the forefront of reimagining Africa’s cultural future.
Her work not only elevates art as a mode of resistance and dialogue but also champions the tools and frameworks necessary for long-term cultural sustainability.
