Toronto, Canada – March 14, 2025
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has appointed Zimbabwean-born curator Tandazani Dhlakama as Curator of Global Africa, a strategic move to enhance the museum’s Africa collection and deepen community engagement. Dhlakama, formerly of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town, brings over 15 years of experience in curating, research, and public engagement within African and diaspora art contexts.
Dhlakama’s new role at ROM will see her spearheading the interpretation and expansion of the museum’s extensive collection of African art, reshaping narratives, and fostering meaningful collaborations with African and diaspora communities in Toronto and beyond. Her appointment is expected to invigorate ROM’s engagement with contemporary African artistic expressions and historical perspectives, furthering the museum’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural representation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tandazani Dhlakama to this important role,” said Josh Basseches, Director & CEO of ROM. “Her deep knowledge, curatorial expertise, and international outlook will be invaluable in strengthening the museum’s engagement with African art and culture. She will play a crucial role in making ROM a more dynamic and inclusive space for Toronto’s African communities and the global audience.”
Dhlakama, known for her research-driven and community-centered curatorial approach, expressed enthusiasm about her new position. “I look forward to amplifying African voices, highlighting histories, and addressing contemporary issues through the museum’s collection and programs. This is an exciting opportunity to present African art in a way that resonates with diverse audiences and fosters deeper cross-cultural dialogue,” she stated.
Her impressive career includes a tenure at Zeitz MOCAA, where she held key roles such as Curator, Assistant Curator, and Education Manager. She played a pivotal role in curating exhibitions such as When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting and the prestigious Bamako Encounters – African Biennale of Photography, both of which celebrated African and diaspora artistic contributions through powerful visual narratives. Her expertise extends beyond curating, as she has been actively involved in museum education, public programming, and academic research.
Dhlakama holds a Master’s degree in Art Gallery and Museum Studies from the University of Leeds and a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and Political Science from St. Lawrence University. Her scholarship and commitment to contemporary African art have earned her recognition as a leading curator shaping global conversations around African creativity and heritage.
Her appointment aligns with ROM’s broader initiatives to reimagine its African art collection, ensuring that it reflects the continent’s diverse artistic traditions while addressing pressing contemporary themes. By forging new partnerships with artists, scholars, and cultural institutions, Dhlakama aims to create dynamic exhibitions and programs that resonate with both local and international audiences.
Toronto, home to one of the largest African diaspora populations in North America, stands to benefit from Dhlakama’s expertise in fostering inclusive, thought-provoking, and community-driven museum experiences. As ROM continues its transformation towards a more globally connected institution, Dhlakama’s leadership is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of African art representation in Canada.
For further updates on Tandazani Dhlakama’s curatorial vision and upcoming exhibitions at ROM, visit www.rom.on.ca.
