France Muséums and the National Heritage Institute launched MuseoPro
France Muséums and the National Heritage Institute launched MuseoPro – A comprehensive training programme for culture and museum professionals commissioned by the Department of Culture and Tourism-Abu Dhabi
Developed by France Muséums and the National Heritage Institute (France) for The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the 18-month MuseoPro programme aims to enhance the skills and expertise of professionals to ensure the sustainable management of DCT Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage resources.
Announced at Louvre Abu Dhabi, the launch was graced by the presence of H.E. Rachida Dati, the French Minister of Culture, alongside with H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the launch featured two conferences focusing on heritage enhancement and museum policy in France, marking the beginning of an exciting journey into the program.
A training program that embraces Abu Dhabi innovative’s cultural vision
Recognizing the visionary cultural policy of Abu Dhabi, France Muséums and the National Heritage Institute enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to support the Department of Culture and Tourism-Abu Dhabi in creating the next generation of museum professionals. Exclusively focused on heritage and museums, the programme is the first tailored professional training course of its kind in the Gulf region. Through interactive workshops and immersive exhibits, participants delve into the intricacies of museum management and cultural policies.
His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our employees are ambassadors of Abu Dhabi’s cultural legacy; diverse, passionate and united by a clear vision and ambition. The launch of MuseoPro marks a significant milestone in our capacity-building efforts, equipping our museum and heritage experts and the next generation of UAE cultural professionals with specialised training across diverse culture fields including conservation, research, and museum education, among others. Guided by specialists from France Museums and the National Heritage Institute, the trainees will be empowered to navigate the complexities of their roles with experience and high-level insights.”
A comprehensive training program designed for Department of Culture and Tourism’s (DCT) professionals
Structured around academic rigor, interactive sessions, hands-on trainings, and field-based sessions led by renowned international heritage professionals, MuseoPro offers a meticulously curated 18-month curriculum tailored for cultural professionals and will serve as a platform for exchange among industry professionals. The comprehensive curriculum merges theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, equipping participants with the skills needed to excel in various facets of museum operations. MuseoPro is divided into two phases:
The first phase called “Fundamentals” was launched at the end of February 2024 and will run until June 2024, provides an exploration of museum organisations, and pivotal moments in art history intertwined with local narratives. It also offers an exciting opportunity to enhance expertise in documenting cultural heritage. From collecting information to the utilisation of images, participants will delve into a comprehensive methodology that ensures a robust understanding of preserving and showcasing cultural treasures.
A second phase of specialisation will cover the following topics based on the profile, the experience and the career plan of the participants (from July 2024 to June 2025):
- Conservation and exhibition of artefacts
- Collections management, inventory, and registrar
- Interpretation and audience management
- Artworks or cultural heritage acquisitions and risks
- Libraries and books management
- Scientific and natural collections
- Management of cultural institutions: strategies and policies
Rita Aoun-Abdo, Executive Director Cultural sector, Department of Culture and Tourism said “This strategic collaboration not only solidifies our long-term partnership but also serves as a catalyst for capacity building among DCT experts, specifically those engaged in conservation, research, collection management, curation, museum education, archaeology, art, and natural history. At DCT, we firmly believe that preserving and protecting the tangible and intangible heritage of the Emirate demands nothing less than excellence in training and exposure for cultural heritage experts.”
Hervé Barbaret, CEO of France Muséums, and Charles Personnaz, Director of National Heritage Institute, said “Developed in collaboration with France Muséums and the National Heritage Institute, this new training program initiative marks the first of its kind in the GCC region, focusing exclusively on the challenges and evolving landscape of heritage and museums. Tailor-made for DCT employees, this training program aims to foster diverse ideas, policies, and institutions to promote Saadiyat Cultural District.”
