TheMuseumsLab 2025: A Reflection by Co-Curator Abel Assefa

Today, we officially held the closing event for the 2025 TheMuseumsLab programme, which was designed and implemented under the theme of 'Colonialism and Resistance'. I worked closely with my colleague Gita Herrmann as co-curator of the programme, as well as with wonderful teams in Berlin and Addis Ababa to make it happen.

The Yimtubezina Museum and Cultural Center and I were particularly involved in the realisation of Module 3, which took place in Addis Ababa from 22–28 September 2025. The fellows were able to explore Addis Ababa's vibrant cultural landscape, engaging in thoughtful dialogue around heritage, leadership, and the future of museums, and visiting museums, archives, art spaces, and historic institutions. They also had the opportunity to celebrate Meskel! I would like to thank the Ministry of Tourism and all the institutions that warmly welcomed us and prepared everything so professionally. My deepest gratitude also goes to all the speakers who shared their experiences and ideas.

It's still November, but the highlight of 2025 is my involvement in the programme. It was an interesting journey, learning about the benefits of working as a team and how collaborations should look when it comes to Africa-Europe partnership programmes, as well as the value of trust, friendship and leadership. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude for the trust placed in me and my institution in inviting us to participate in this year's programme as co-curators and partnering institutions.

I am no expert on how meaningful and impactful collaborations should be established between African and European programmes, but my experience with Mlab showed me exactly how it can be done. True collaboration can be achieved by prioritising and facilitating the exchange of ideas between experts and institutions, regardless of their background. I believe the biggest success and achievement of the programme over the last year was bringing African experts and institutions to the platform as collaborators, not participants. Personally and professionally, I always prioritise collaboration, and support and participation are outdated concepts that should be balanced.

Thank you to all!