About the Workshop

“Rethinking Exhibitions in African Museums” workshop addresses the lingering colonial influences in museum collections, design, display, and engagement strategies across Africa. With a rise in new museum initiatives and growing global interest in African collections, the workshop seeks to explore ways to make museums more culturally relevant and appealing. Key discussion points include creating exhibitions that reflect indigenous African cultural perspectives, developing ethical and sustainable collections management systems using innovative digital technologies, and redesigning museum spaces to be inclusive and welcoming. The goal is to foster museums that truly represent and serve African communities.

9:00am – 9:15am
Opening Remarks

Welcome Remarks by Seun Oduwole

Mr Olugbile Holloway - Opening Remarks from the Director National Commission for Museum and Monuments

Iheanyi Onwuegbucha – Keynote and introduction to the workshop discussions.

9:30am – 11:45am
Workshop Session 1:  Promoting Cultural Inclusivity in African Museums

Moderation
Iheanyi Onwuegbucha

Objectives

• To develop actionable strategies for reimagining museum practices in Africa and redefining the museum’s role within a postcolonial context by incorporating or adopting indigenous African practices in contemporary/postcolonial museology.

Speakers:

1. Sonia Lawson, Director, Palais de Lome

2. Pr. Kodzo Gavua, University of Ghana

3. Dr. Will Rea, University of Leeds

4. Bongani Mgijimma, Stellenbosch University

12:30pm – 2:30pm
Workshop Session 2: Strategies for Designing Inclusive Museum Spaces in Africa

Introduction
Seun Oduwole

Moderation
Iheanyi Onwuegbucha

Objectives

• To develop innovative ideas for museum spaces that reflect communal African traditions while being accessible and inviting.

• To brainstorm ideas on design models and strategies that ensure museums are perceived as inclusive and community-oriented spaces.

Speakers (15 minutes each):

1. Seun Oduwole, Architect and Founder Living Object.

2. Philip Hughes, Exhibition Designer & Founder Living Object.
   

2:30pm – 4:00pm
Continuation of Session 2

Objectives

• To develop innovative ideas for museum spaces that reflect communal African traditions while being accessible and inviting.

• To brainstorm ideas on design models and strategies that ensure museums are perceived as inclusive and community-oriented spaces.

Speakers (15 minutes each):

1. Stephen Battle, Architect, World Monument Fund

2. Adrian Campbell, Engineer

   and Sustainability Consultant,

   Changebuilding and Andy

   Lerpiniere, Building Services

   Engineer, Webb Yates Engineers

4:00pm
Tour of John Randle Center for Yoruba Culture and History

Exhibition Opening

Dinner