TheMuseumsLab Fellowship

TheMuseumsLab Fellowship is a unique African–European joint-learning programme designed for emerging leaders in museums, heritage, and cultural institutions.

Since 2021, each year 25 African and 25 European talents embark on an immersive, year-long journey that blends online learning with onsite experiences and practical engagement in museums and cultural institutions. The 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. Fellows engage with renowned international museum practitioners, academics, artists, and change-makers, all united by their commitment to advancing the museum sector.

The Fellowship comprises three one-week modules, delivered both online and onsite in Africa and Europe, complemented by a one-week Residency in a partner institution within TheMuseumsLab Partner Museums Network. The learning journey is framed by an online kickoff at the start and a closing event at the end, providing cohesion, reflection, and a structured arc to the year-long programme.

Through this collaborative journey, participants explore and reflect on the history, present, and future of museums, share knowledge and best practices, and gain hands-on experience across diverse museum spaces. The programme combines multidisciplinary perspectives on contemporary museum and heritage debates with opportunities for networking, professional development, and cross-continental career growth.