TheMuseumsLab

TheMuseumsLab is a collaborative project designed to offer museum professionals a platform for continuous joint learning, unlearning, networking, career development, and perspective exchange on the future of museums in both Africa and Europe. Its primary objective is to facilitate connections that bridge individuals, institutions, and nations across two continents, fostering engaged discussions on how museums can confront their colonial past, meet the present societal, global challenges and work together to actively shape a more equitable future. Moreover, TheMuseumsLab wants to spark a joint reflection on a new ethical framework for international cooperation. Since 2021, TheMuseumsLab programme has continued to bring together a wide range of perspectives, skills, and competencies. Starting online and continuing onsite in Africa and Europe, the annual programme gathers 50 Fellows and numerous scholars, practitioners, artists, and activists, all connected to the museum sphere. Together, they explore the history, present, and future of museums, exchange knowledge, ideas, best practices, and engage with various museum spaces on both continents. The programme offers multidisciplinary perspectives on current museum and heritage discourses, space for exchange and networking, innovative formats for joint learning, and workshops for practical skills. A one-week Residency at a renowned African or European Partner Museum provides further opportunities to share visions and approaches, and to build long-term constructive relationships.