Wed 7^th January 2026

Curatorial Partner 2026: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

We are pleased to welcome the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA) as partner of TheMuseumsLab 2026. As curatorial lead and implementation partner for Module 3, the RCHA will play a key role in shaping the programme in Kigali while contributing across all modules as part of the curatorial team.

"As co-curators of TheMuseumsLab 2026 program whose module 3 will be hosted by Rwanda, we look forward to gaining valuable knowledge from international peers on innovative museum practices and audience engagement, while strengthening our skills in digital curation, archival management, and educational programming. We anticipate building professional networks, showcasing Rwandan heritage and contemporary narratives to global audiences, and learning strategies to engage our local communities more effectively. Overall, this collaboration will help us enhance our capacity, increase cultural visibility, and transform our museums in Rwanda into dynamic spaces for education, dialogue, and social impact."

Jean De La Croix Mbarubukeye and Thomas Cadeau Ngwabije
Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy • Co-Curators of TheMuseumsLab 2026 • TheMuseumsLab Alumni

Co-Curating TheMuseumsLab 2026

Since its launch in 2020, TheMuseumsLab has developed a collaborative curatorial approach that brings together African and European museum partners to shape each year’s programme.

For the 2026 edition, the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA) takes on a central curatorial role as the African partner institution. Working closely with the European co-curators at the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, the RCHA contributes to the development of the programme’s content across all modules and leads the conception and implementation of Module 3 in Kigali. This collaborative process is further strengthened through exchange with the International Academic Committee, TheMuseumsLab Alumni Network and local museum partners, ensuring that the Fellowship remains grounded in diverse perspectives.

The RCHA is represented in the curatorial team by Jean De La Croix Mbarubukeye and Thomas Cadeau Ngwabije, both Alumni of TheMuseumsLab.

About RCHA

The Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy is a public institution dedicated to preserving Rwanda's heritage, culture, and the Ikinyarwanda language. Established in 2020, the Academy fosters national unity and dignity by promoting history and traditions through research, education, and community engagement.

Find out more about RCHA on their website rwandaheritage.gov.rw/en