Co-Founder picha museum Joel Lukhovi during the picha museum preview at the cinema rooftop Unseen Nairobi along 623 woodavenue , NairobI on 19th June 2025 [David Gichuru,Standard]
Kenyan photographer and curator Joel Lukhovi has been selected for the prestigious curators’ week initiative at the Liverpool Biennale. Liverpool Biennale is hosting events from July 22 to 20, 2025 through its partnership with the British Council.
Joel joins seven other delegates: Kakizi Jemima (Rwanda), Lilian Munuo (Tanzania), Nala Xaba (South Africa), Dian Arumningtyas (Indonesia), Parsa Sajid (Bangladesh), James Luigi Tana (Philippines), and Hajra Haider Karrar (Sri Lanka). The delegates were selected after a very intensive application process.
They will participate in curated tours of Liverpool Biennial 2025 and visit arts organisations in Liverpool and Bradford. The curators’ week programme will also have a ‘Sector Day’ where they will bring together artists and curators in one space to discuss ideas and network. It will also entail events and discourses on how they interpret the theme ‘BEDROCK’.
“It’s good to notice that in Africa I join a super talented team of 3 other participants from Rwanda, Tanzania and South Africa. I will be attending the conference next week in Liverpool. This is huge, and I’m proud to fly the Kenyan flag,” Joel expresses.
Filled with gratitude, curiosity and responsibility, he further stated that being selected as part of the delegation to the UK’s largest biennial is both an honour and a moment of reflection to his artistry.
“It affirms the persistence of my practice, the stories I carry and the communities that have shaped my lens. This opportunity not only links me with an international network of artists and thinkers but also reminds me of the urgency and power of visual storytelling across borders,” Joel expresses.
He continued, “I see it as a moment to learn, contribute and represent – rooted in where I come from, yet open to where art can take us. It offers space to listen, to share and to connect across borders and between histories.”
Last month, Joel experienced another major win as he previewed the creation of PiCHA Museum, which he co-founded with Frank Bierens. The museum, which will open at Nairobi’s Kijabe Street in June 2026, will be the first photography museum on the African continent.