by artweb

The African Museums Today & Tomorrow symposium opens today at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the field of African museology. This landmark event brings together some of the most influential voices in the sector, coinciding with the museum's acclaimed exhibition Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power. The symposium not only celebrates African heritage but also launches Louvre Abu Dhabi’s research outreach program, demonstrating its commitment to advancing scholarship and fostering global dialogue in the museum world.

Over the next three days, from January 28-30, 2025, museum leaders, curators, and researchers will engage in discussions addressing key issues surrounding African museums, their relationship with communities, and their evolving roles on the global stage. The symposium is structured around three central themes: the relevance of museums to society, their impact on local communities, and their role in addressing global challenges. These sessions aim to provide a platform for reflection, innovation, and collaboration. Among the notable participants is Raphael Chikukwa, Director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, whose contributions are expected to shed light on balancing the preservation of cultural heritage with contemporary practices. His inclusion highlights Zimbabwe’s growing influence within the global museum landscape.
Today's discussions focus on how museums can remain relevant to society. Key sessions will explore the shift away from colonial-era narratives toward inclusive storytelling that resonates with diverse and modern audiences. Another roundtable will address the critical need to engage younger generations, ensuring that museums remain sustainable and vibrant spaces of learning and reflection in a rapidly changing world.
On January 29, attention will turn to the impact of museums on their surrounding communities. Discussions will center on responsible collection management, community engagement, and research practices that both renew museum narratives and deepen their connection with the communities they serve. The final day, January 30, will spotlight the global role of African museums. Sessions on international partnerships and contemporary African art will explore how these institutions can collaborate effectively with global counterparts while maintaining their unique cultural identities.
While the symposium is poised to be a groundbreaking event, its program raises questions about representation. Noticeably absent are two major institutions: the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town and the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) in Morocco. The absence of these significant players underscores the need for a more inclusive dialogue when shaping the future of African museology.
This symposium comes at a pivotal time for African museums, which are increasingly tasked with redefining their roles in preserving heritage, fostering creativity, and engaging meaningfully with their communities. Museums are no longer mere custodians of the past—they are dynamic spaces that inspire dialogue, bridge cultural divides, and contribute to societal growth. Events like African Museums Today & Tomorrow provide essential platforms to address these responsibilities while inspiring new ideas and partnerships.
As this symposium begins, it promises to ignite meaningful conversations and provide valuable insights that will shape the future of African museums. With its focus on inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement, the event reaffirms the vital role museums play in safeguarding heritage and advancing cultural dialogue.
For more information on the symposium, visit the museum webiste here
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