Museums in Africa are as diverse as the continent itself, blending old traditions with new trends. Many trace their roots back to the late colonial era, while others are products of post-colonial nation-building efforts. Some are completely based on modern day society and cultures. Despite their differences, most African museums share a common struggle: staying relevant in a world that is rapidly changing, especially relevant in an emerging continent like Africa. How do African museums adapt to such a dynamic landscape?
Museum Futures Africa is an initiative aiming to reshape the landscape of African museology. Initiatives such as this are designed to position African museums at the forefront of dynamic exhibit design that reflects history while adapting to advances in technology and design. Taking a different approach, this project places African museum workers at the front and center, as they are considered to be the custodians equipped with the knowledge and experience to address the unique environment in which their museums operate.
At the heart of Museum Futures Africa are local study groups consisting of museum staff, community members, artists, and educators. These groups meet regularly over the course of a year to explore new ideas, investigate current trends, innovations and new technology, and to talk about adapting their approach to incorporate these findings into museum exhibit design. Guided by a curriculum designed by African practitioners, these local study groups experiment with everything from collecting, researching and engaging with local communities.
The goal? To empower African museums to redefine their role in a rapidly changing world. Catherine Ajiambo, a participant from the Uganda National Museum, sums it up: “Museum Futures Africa gives us an opportunity to analyse our histories through research and critical conversations, interact with our communities, and rewrite our stories on our terms.”
Supported by the Goethe-Institut and a team of cultural experts, Museum Futures Africa has selected six forward-thinking museums across the continent. These museums are not only embracing innovation but also prioritizing collaboration. Paired together, they exchange ideas and support each other’s endeavours through monthly workshops.
However, the challenges that African museums face, extends beyond the walls of their institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced them to rethink how they connect with audiences, both online and offline. In a world that’s more unsettled and unequal than ever before, museums must navigate pressing issues like climate change and social inequality. They must find ways to engage younger audiences while also making their collections accessible online.
To address these challenges, Museum Futures Africa has adapted its approach, focusing on online engagement through digitization rather than in-person meetings. Critical practitioners from across Africa are lending their expertise to support this shift, from hosting workshops on poetry and drawing to guiding museums in digitization efforts.
Along with the continent, African Museology is a rapidly emerging sector that is leading authentic storytelling and shaping cultural transformation on the continent. To stay current, African Museology needs to remain a work in progress, fueled by optimism and a shared vision for connecting with both local and international audiences.
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Museums in Africa are as diverse as the continent itself, blending old traditions with new trends. Most African museums share a common struggle: staying relevant in a world that is rapidly changing, especially relevant in an emerging continent like Africa. How do African museums adapt?
- Museum Futures Africa is an initiative aiming to reshape the landscape of African museology.
- This project places African museum workers at the front and center, as they are considered to be the custodians equipped with the knowledge and experience to address the unique environment in which their museums operate.
- At the heart of Museum Futures Africa are local study groups that meet regularly to investigate current trends, innovations and new technology, and to talk about adapting their approach to incorporate these findings into museum exhibit design.
- Museum Futures Africa gives us an opportunity to analyse our histories through research and critical conversations, interact with our communities, and rewrite our stories on our terms.
- To stay current, African Museology needs to remain a work in progress, fueled by optimism and a shared vision for connecting with both local and international audiences.
