Collaborative learning, leadership development and fostering dialogue between Africa and Europe
The focus is on emerging leaders in the fields of art, culture and cultural heritage through structured peer learning, exchanges with renowned experts and the support of a robust institutional network. The programme offers a unique framework for fostering cultural leadership, deepening intercultural understanding and strengthening cultural narratives that will shape the future.
The initiative arose from a collaboration between the Federal Foreign Office, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, The Advisors (an African advisory group) and several museum directors and academics. By bringing together museum expertise, academic networks, political support, strategic advice and close ties to the cultural sectors of Africa and Europe, the programme was able to launch in full in 2021. TheMuseumsLab is currently funded by the DAAD with support from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) and the Federal Foreign Office (AA).
Thematic focus
The thematic focus of TheMuseumsLab encompasses key areas such as community building, visitor experience, digitisation, provenance research and decolonisation. The programme aims to stimulate joint reflection on narratives, career development, institutional transformation and intercultural understanding.
Fellows and Partner Museums Network
Since 2021, institutions and individuals from all over the world have actively helped shape and enrich TheMuseumsLab. 244 fellows from museums and cultural institutions in 27 African and 27 European countries have taken part between 2021 and 2025. 66 museums and cultural institutions from 8 African and 11 European countries are members of the Partner Museums Network. Since 2021, the Fellowship Programme has been co-curated by: District Six Museum, Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, National Museums of Kenya, South African Heritage Agency, University of the Western Cape, Yimtubezina Museum and Cultural Centre, and Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy. TheMuseumsLab is currently funded by the DAAD with support from the Federal Ministry of Culture and Media (BKM) and the Federal Foreign Office.
Our Events
TheMuseumsLab organises events to promote professional exchange among museum practitioners, researchers and experts from Africa, Europe and beyond – featuring keynote lectures, panel discussions, workshops, institutional visits and public forums.
How to get involved
The focus is on the Fellowship Programme, complemented by initiatives designed to nurture the next generation of cultural leaders. Applications must be submitted via the official DAAD online application portal. The following are required: the TheMuseumsLab application form, a CV in tabular format in English (max. 2 pages) and a letter of recommendation. The call for applications is usually published in the last quarter of the year (October–December).
Funded by the DAAD
with resources provided by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM)
and the Federal Foreign Office (AA)
