Alumni Contribution | Reflections on a Transformative Journey

Participating in The MuseumsLab 2024 program was an enriching and transformative experience that left a lasting imprint on my professional and personal journey. The programme offered more than just academic enrichment; it provided an opportunity to immerse myself in diverse histories, cultures, and museum practices across three countries Germany, Namibia, and Ghana. Anchored by the theme “Reimagining Museums for the Future,” the programme encouraged bold thinking and innovative approaches to museum work in today’s rapidly changing world.

From the very beginning, the programme's carefully curated lectures, led by outstanding speakers, expanded my understanding of the museum's evolving role in cultural heritage, education, and social justice. These sessions were not just informative they were inspiring, prompting critical reflections on how museums can serve as platforms for advocacy, storytelling, and healing.

Some of my most memorable moments came during the field visits. Standing inside the Natural History Museum in Berlin, I was struck by the sobering reality of accelerated extinction rates—an urgent reminder of our shared environmental responsibility. In Namibia, the Independence Memorial Museum provided a powerful lens into the nation’s path to liberation, and the Old Wheeler’s Club Museum introduced a unique collection of vintage cars that highlighted another aspect of the country’s history. Meanwhile, Ghana’s Cape Coast and Elmina Castles stirred deep emotions, revealing painful chapters of the transatlantic slave trade in a way that words alone could never convey. In Ghana, I had an enriching experience at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where I learned about the life and legacy of Ghana’s first president and his significant role in Africa's liberation movements.

One highlight that particularly stands out was the opportunity to give a talk on Kente fabric in Ghana. Sharing the origins, meanings, and symbolism behind each design, I explored how this vibrant textile tells stories of identity, pride, and resilience. It was a powerful reminder that cultural artifacts are not just items of display but active carriers of history and values.

The MuseumsLab also fostered a deep sense of community. Collaborating with professionals from diverse backgrounds, I experienced the richness of cross-cultural dialogue. These exchanges—whether in formal discussions or over informal conversations—have greatly influenced how I now approach collaborative projects, cultural interpretation, and curatorial work.

To future participants, I offer this reflection: embrace every moment. Whether you're presenting a paper, exploring a museum, or sharing a meal with fellow participants, each interaction offers a chance to grow, connect, and be inspired.

As TheMuseumsLab prepares to welcome its fifth cohort, I am excited for what lies ahead for the network. I remain deeply grateful to the team, mentors, and peers who made this journey possible—and I look forward to contributing further to our shared mission of rethinking and reshaping the museum space for a more inclusive and dynamic future.