SMA And GSU Reinforce Commitment To SAWA Museum Studies Programme For Enhanced Cultural Exchange

The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) and the Africa Institute, Global Studies University (GSU), have reaffirmed their dedication to promoting cross-cultural museum education. This commitment was highlighted during a coordination meeting following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2024. The MoU signifies a new chapter in the successful decade-long SAWA Museum Studies Programme.

The recent meeting focused on exploring collaboration opportunities for the 2025-2026 edition of the SAWA Museum Studies Programme. This initiative aims to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of museum professionals and students worldwide. Attendees included Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of SMA, and Dr. Salah M. Hassan, Dean of The Africa Institute and Chancellor of GSU, along with representatives from both institutions.

Aisha Rashid Deemas emphasised the importance of this partnership, stating: "For over a decade, The SAWA Museum Studies Programme, which is the first of its kind in the region, has played a pivotal role in developing national and global museum professionals by fostering cultural exchange and innovative museum practices." She noted that this collaboration reinforces Sharjah’s leadership in museum education and cultural heritage.

Dr. Salah M. Hassan expressed excitement about participating in SAWA’s growth: "We are thrilled to be part of the SAWA Museum Studies Programme’s evolution. This partnership not only strengthens educational and research opportunities but also allows us to bridge African, Arab, and international perspectives in museum studies, furthering the development of interdisciplinary museum education."

Launched in 2015 with partners like State Museums of Berlin and Goethe-Institute Gulf Region, SAWA has engaged over 130 participants from various cultural backgrounds. It offers an immersive educational experience focusing on curatorial practices, exhibition development, and cultural heritage preservation through workshops and hands-on training.

The programme continues to serve as a platform for discussing challenges and opportunities within the museum sector. It fosters dialogue among global museum professionals, encouraging collaboration to address industry issues effectively.

This ongoing collaboration between SMA and GSU highlights their shared vision for advancing museum education globally. By integrating diverse perspectives into their curriculum, they aim to enrich learning experiences for participants worldwide.

With inputs from WAM