TheMuseumsLab combines interconnected initiatives that foster professional development, sustainable partnerships, and institutional transformation across African and European museums and heritage spaces.
TheMuseumsLab is grounded in two core commitments: a joint-learning approach that enables open exchange, critical reflection, and co-creation across disciplinary, geographic, and institutional boundaries; and fostering professional growth through new transcontinental career opportunities for museum professionals. Together, these pillars lay the groundwork for sustainable, systemic change.
The programme brings together leading professionals from museums, heritage spaces, academia, and public leadership with emerging talents, all committed to rethinking the role of museums in society. At the centre of TheMuseumsLab work lies the Fellowship Programme, complemented by a range of formats dedicated to empowering the next generation of cultural leaders.
TheMuseumsLab is driven by the belief that equitable and dynamic cultural landscapes can only emerge when knowledge, experience, and imagination are placed in sustained dialogue. It is a space for learning and unlearning, for building partnerships rooted in mutual respect, and for imagining museums as inclusive, socially engaged institutions.
At the heart of TheMuseumsLab lies its Fellowship, a unique African–European joint-learning programme designed for emerging leaders in museums, heritage, and cultural institutions. Each year since 2021, 25 African and 25 European talents embark on an immersive, year-long journey, combining online learning with hands-on experiences: a week-long online module, onsite modules in Berlin and an African partner country, and a residency in a partner museum in Africa or Europe. This intensive programme empowers participants to exchange ideas, build lasting networks, and strengthen their leadership skills, nurturing the next generation of visionary museum professionals and shaping the future of museums across continents.
Applicants must be professionals working in museums, galleries, heritage sites, or other cultural institutions based in Africa or Europe. To be eligible, applicants should have profound practical experience of at least 2 years in a museum, heritage site or art space, relating to themes such as Archaeology, Architecture, Art, Cultural History, Natural Sciences and Technology and significant interest in the yearly thematic focus.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate high motivation and commit to full participation, including engagement with fellow participants, speakers, and lecturers, as well as delivering presentations and contributing to co-creation activities. Active involvement in all programme components is essential.
Applicants should also possess strong interpersonal and leadership qualities, such as creativity, resilience, self-reflection, collaborative communication, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical, transformative roles in museums.
Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required to participate actively in the programme.
A binding commitment to participate in all components of TheMuseumsLab is a prerequisite for selection. Upon acceptance, a letter of consent and approved training leave from the employer may be requested.
TheMuseumsLab covers most of the costs associated with participation. This generally includes international travel, in-country transportation, accommodation, visa fees, a daily allowance, and basic health insurance during the programme’s onsite phases. However, participants may need to cover some personal or incidental expenses.
If you are selected to participate in the programme, the information you provide in your application will be used to assign you to the most suitable Residency TheMuseumsLab Partner Museum. We take great care in matching Fellows with host institutions, taking into account both the preferences of the Fellows and the thematic offers of the Residency Museums. However, please note that we cannot guarantee that all preferences will be accommodated.
Interested candidates must apply through the official DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) online application portal. A complete application typically includes a completed TheMuseumsLab-specific application form, a curriculum vitae in English (usually no more than two pages), and a professional letter of recommendation. Additional documents such as academic degrees or project portfolios may also be submitted. All application materials must be uploaded in PDF format. Submissions via email are not accepted. The call for applications is usually published in the final quarter of the year (October to December). The exact dates may vary from year to year, kindly keep an eye out for the Call for Fellows via this website and our Social Media Channels.
There is no age limit to apply for the Fellowship. For detailed eligibility criteria, please consult the FAQs.
Applications are usually invited once per year, with the call typically opening in the final quarter of the year (October to December). The exact dates may vary from year to year, kindly keep an eye out for the Call for Fellows via this website, our Social Media Channels or our Newsletter.
Applications are reviewed by a committee of experts from African and European institutions. Selection is based on the applicant’s professional background, alignment with the programme’s goals and annual theme, motivation, potential for leadership, and interest in international collaboration. English language proficiency is also considered. (See also in the FAQ 'Who is eligible'?) Successful candidates demonstrate a strong commitment to knowledge exchange, institutional impact, long-term networking within the global museum sector and strong aspiration to leadership positions.
No. TheMuseumsLab Fellowship is a one-time opportunity for selected fellows. Previous participants are not eligible to reapply in future cycles for the same Fellowship.
Yes. TheMuseumsLab maintains an active alumni network of fellows and partner institutions. The network fosters ongoing collaboration through joint projects, publications, panel discussions, and joint initiatives. Alumni often act as mentors or contributors in future editions of the programme.
The CollabFund is an initiative affiliated with TheMuseumsLab that supports post-programme collaboration between fellows and partner institutions. It provides seed funding for small-scale, transcontinental projects developed by alumni of the programme. These projects may include co-curated exhibitions, digital initiatives, research, publications, educational formats, or community-driven activities. The CollabFund is designed to ensure that the connections formed during the programme lead to sustained and practical outcomes beyond the fellowship itself.
Alumni and Partner Museums of TheMuseumsLab are eligible to apply for the CollabFund. Applications must be submitted jointly by at least one African and one European alumnus, ideally involving institutional partners. Proposals are evaluated based on their feasibility, relevance to the programme’s values, potential for long-term impact, and alignment with the themes explored during TheMuseumsLab.