Share the Mic: Decolonizing an African Museum

The Fowler Museum at UCLA explores global arts and cultures with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas—past and present. The Fowler enhances understanding and appreciation of the diverse peoples, cultures, and religions of the world through dynamic exhibitions, publications, and public programs, informed by interdisciplinary approaches and the perspectives of the cultures represented. Also featured is the work of international contemporary artists presented within the complex frameworks of politics, culture and social action. The Fowler provides exciting, informative and thought-provoking exhibitions and events for the UCLA community and the people of greater Los Angeles and beyond.

Fowler Museum at UCLA

Join museum professionals for a conversation about how conservation practices can serve as one of many strategies for decolonizing museums.

Link to join: <a href="https://ucla.zoom.us/j/96789686529" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://ucla.zoom.us/j/96789686529</a>The Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda, financed by Belgium in the late 1980s as a symbol of cooperation with Rwanda, houses one of Africa’s most significant ethnographic collections. The selection of material and its display, however, have been products of colonial perspectives, rather than those reflecting the knowledge, values, and priorities of African countries and communities from which the objects originated. As part of decolonizing and renovating the museum, staff from the Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) in Belgium are currently working with Rwandese colleagues to reevaluate conservation practices. Join Fowler staff and museum professionals from the RMCA and Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy for a conversation about how conservation practices can serve as one of many strategies for decolonizing museums in different countries with unequal resources. The panelists will include Marci Burton, the Fowler’s Mellon Conservation Fellow; Siska Genbrugge, Objects Conservator at Royal Museum for Central Africa in Belgium; André Ntagwabira, Archaeology Researcher at Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy; and Chantal Umuhoza, Curator at Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy. The program will be moderated by Ellen Pearlstein, Professor, UCLA/Getty Conservation Program.This program is co-presented by the Fowler Museum and the UCLA/Getty Program in the Conservation of Archaeological and Ethnographic Materials.Share the Mic: The Fowler believes in the civic duty of museums to give forum to different points of view. This series shares our platform with thought leaders—artists, activists, and allies—who are guiding us along the arc of justice.Image: Nanguburundi drum captured in Burundi by the army of King Cyirima II Rujugira in the 17th century. In Burundi it was called “Nangurwanda / I hate Rwanda;” it was renamed “Nanguburundi / I hate Burundi” after its captivity.

Share the Mic: Decolonizing an African Museum

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Share the Mic: Decolonizing an African Museum

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