Sharjah Museums Authority Launches SAWA Conference 2024 for Global Culture

Sharjah, UAE: The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) proudly launched the much-anticipated SAWA Conference 2024, a monumental event that not only marks the 10th anniversary of the SAWA program but also sets a global stage for discussions on cultural exchange, museum innovation, and cross-border collaborations. This year, the conference unfolds in Sharjah’s Archaeology Museum, bringing together influential figures in museum studies and cultural heritage from around the world to discuss and explore new dimensions in museum practices.

Launched in 2015, the SAWA program has paved the way for cultural exchange and museum education between the Middle East and Europe, building a bridge that has helped hundreds of museum professionals and students share knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and nurture a broader appreciation for diverse cultural perspectives. The SAWA Conference 2024 showcases the strides the program has made over the past decade, emphasizing its ongoing contributions to international museum standards and fostering a spirit of cross-cultural respect and learning.

A Decade of SAWA

The SAWA Museum Studies program was conceived as a collaborative vision by the Sharjah Museums Authority, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, and the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region, in partnership with the University of Applied Sciences HTW Berlin. This partnership originated from the success of a groundbreaking exhibition collaboration between the State Museums of Berlin and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. Recognizing a need for a dedicated program to address gaps in the museum sector and to promote intercultural exchange, a core team of cultural professionals established SAWA to address these areas.

In its first year, SAWA brought together museum students and young professionals from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, providing them with unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, knowledge exchange, and collaborative learning. Since then, the program has evolved, providing participants with access to seminars, workshops, and immersive experiences in both the UAE and Germany.

At its core, SAWA’s mission has been to empower future leaders by fostering cultural sensitivity, empathy, and an understanding of how museums can serve as platforms for promoting global narratives. This mission is particularly relevant as museums today face increasing challenges to maintain cultural relevance while addressing complex social issues, from diversity and inclusion to sustainable practices.

Conference Opening

The SAWA Conference 2024 was inaugurated with addresses from esteemed dignitaries and museum leaders who shared their insights on the program’s impact and the vital role of cross-cultural collaboration.

• H.E. Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, expressed his pride in the achievements of the SAWA program. He highlighted how the initiative has transformed the concept of museums from static exhibits to dynamic, interactive spaces where people can engage deeply with cultural narratives. “Through our longstanding relationship with Berlin, we have been able to create opportunities that extend beyond borders. This collaboration is about sharing knowledge but also about fostering an exchange of ideas that deepens our understanding of each other’s histories, beliefs, and communities.”

• H.E. Sybille Pfaff, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Dubai, acknowledged the unique role SAWA has played in shaping the future of museum studies. “The SAWA program has fostered cultural exchange and empowered individuals passionate about museum studies. For over a decade, it has created a space where participants from diverse backgrounds can expand their knowledge and apply it meaningfully in their communities,” Pfaff said, praising Sharjah Museums Authority’s commitment to sustainability and enduring partnerships.

• H.E. Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, commemorated the SAWA program’s journey and its continued dedication to bridging cultures. Reflecting on the decade-long impact, Deemas remarked, “Today, we celebrate ten years of the SAWA Museum Studies Program. Launched from Sharjah, this program has established an educational and cultural bridge connecting Arab heritage with European culture through a fresh approach to museum studies. We are reaping the rewards of what we planted alongside our partners and friends from Germany, united in hope for further achievements for this exceptional program.”

Sessions at SAWA Conference 2024

The two-day event is rich with insightful discussions and panels led by renowned figures in museum studies, including Prof. Dr. Stefan Weber, Director of the Museum for Islamic Art (Pergamon-Museum); Prof. Dr. Susanne Kähler, Dean of the School of Culture and Design at HTW Berlin; and Dr. Gabriele Landwehr, former CEO of the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region and current lecturer at Reinhold-Würth-Hochschule, Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences.

Each session explores a specific facet of museum practices, addressing both challenges and innovative solutions. Here are some of the session highlights:

1. International Cooperation Between Museums – This session delves into how partnerships across borders contribute to professional development, enhance museum standards, and facilitate staff exchanges. Speakers discuss the role of museums in fostering a sense of global citizenship and the impact of collaborative projects on museum practices.

2. A Curator’s Journey – Curators from the Sharjah Art Museum and the Barjeel Art Foundation share insights into the meticulous process of curation, from sourcing artifacts to organizing exhibitions that resonate with a global audience. This panel aims to demystify the art of storytelling through exhibits, highlighting the strategic and cultural considerations that shape each display.

3. Museum Interpretation– This session addresses the evolving strategies museums can adopt to make exhibits more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. Topics include interactive exhibits, multilingual displays, and innovative digital tools that enhance the visitor experience. Experts explore how museums can break down cultural and linguistic barriers to foster inclusivity.

4. Aspirations and Obstacles– Featuring speakers like Nasir AlDarmaki, Deputy Director of ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, and Danielle Kuijten, Director and Co-curator of Imagine IC, this discussion explores the challenges museums face in striving for inclusivity, innovation, and cultural relevance. Panelists share insights into overcoming funding constraints, navigating cultural sensitivities, and adapting to digital transformation.

5. SAWA Alumni – SAWA alumni, including Hajir Ahmed Ambuali, Emilia Sánchez González, and Lara Maalouf, share their personal experiences and professional growth through the program. Their stories highlight how SAWA’s immersive approach has empowered them to contribute meaningfully to the museum sector in their home countries.

Hands-On Experiences

The SAWA Conference 2024 is not just about discussions—it offers a platform for hands-on experiences and networking opportunities that foster deeper connections among attendees. Conference participants are invited to join guided tours of Sharjah’s iconic cultural sites, such as the Sharjah Art Museum and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. These tours offer a firsthand experience of Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage, providing a tangible context for the conference’s themes of cultural exchange and understanding.

Networking breaks throughout the event allow museum professionals, cultural enthusiasts, and students to engage with leaders in the field, discuss ideas, and potentially forge partnerships that extend beyond the conference.

The Broader Impact of SAWA

As the SAWA program enters its second decade, its achievements highlight the significance of cultural diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected world. By providing a platform where young professionals and seasoned experts alike can exchange knowledge and insights, SAWA has helped shape a generation of museum professionals who are equipped to navigate the complex demands of a globalized cultural landscape.

Looking ahead, the Sharjah Museums Authority remains committed to expanding the reach and impact of the SAWA program, ensuring that future cohorts of students and professionals have the tools and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the museum sector. This commitment is underscored by SMA’s dedication to sustainability and fostering a new generation of museum professionals who prioritize cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and sustainability in their work.

Cultural Exchange

The SAWA Conference 2024 encapsulates the mission and values of the SAWA program, celebrating a decade of achievements and setting a vision for the future of museum studies and cultural collaboration. The Sharjah Museums Authority, alongside its strategic and supporting partners, has shown how cross-border partnerships and innovative educational programs can bridge cultural divides and enhance the museum experience for audiences worldwide.

The program’s founders recognized early on that museums hold a unique place in society—they are repositories of history, but they are also spaces for community building and cultural dialogue. SAWA’s legacy is not just in the knowledge imparted but in the network of professionals it has nurtured, individuals who are now leading cultural institutions with a global perspective.

For more details on the SAWA Conference 2024, the SAWA program, or the Sharjah Museums Authority’s ongoing initiatives, please visit their official website at Sharjah Museums Authority.