About
As a leading expert in Contemporary Art from Africa and the diaspora, Kimberley combines her curatorial and advisory roles to create a new model through which to champion art from the continent and beyond.
Kimberley Cunningham graduated as valedictorian of Central Saint Martins (London), specialising in Art Criticism & Curation and upon graduating she worked at Gagosian Gallery (London) followed by Goodman Gallery (Johannesburg, Cape Town & London). In 2020 she went independent and founded Cunningham Contemporary, which uses a collaborative model for both curatorial practice and art advisory services.
In February 2021, she initiated a new exhibition model in Johannesburg entitled RESTUDIO, which served as a response to the limitations around viewing art in person through national lockdowns and postponements of art fairs. Working closely with WHATIFTHEWORLD Gallery, AFRONOVA GALLERY and a group of independent artists, the exhibition positioned itself as a three-month project to support creatives and galleries across Southern Africa.
Since then Kimberley has held the position of head curator for the new Singita Art Gallery project, using art as a tool to both celebrate African culture and support conservation efforts. She is also the art consultant for the new renovation of Singita’s Serengeti House in Tanzania and continues to blend her passion for African art with a commitment to conservation, working closely with communities across the continent.
Her most recent group exhibition ‘The Light Between’ was held at WHATIFTHEWORLD Cape Town in May 2024 and included artists: Mohammad AlFaraj, Nada Baraka, Intissar Belaid, Meriem Bouderbala, Mia Chaplin, Farnaz Gholami, Huda Lutfi, Hanna Noor Mahomed, Sepideh Mehraban, Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu, and Bindi Vora.
Kimberley is a dedicated advocate for women artists, consistently centering their voices in her curatorial projects. She believes in the importance of amplifying the contributions of women in the art world, particularly those from underrepresented regions.
Through initiatives like WIA Africa, a platform she founded to support, mentor, and empower women in the creative sector, Kimberley has made significant strides in fostering a more inclusive and equitable art community. Her exhibitions and collaborations often highlight the work of female artists, ensuring their perspectives are seen, heard, and celebrated on both local and international stages.
