Sharjah Museums Authority hosts SAWA conference on culture
- 10 Nov 2024
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) organised a conference under the theme ‘SAWA: A Decade of Cross-Cultural Museum Learning’ (Nov. 4 — 5), marking ten years of the SAWA Museum Studies Program — a collaboration between SMA, Berlin State Museums, Goethe-Institute Gulf Region and the University of Applied Sciences Berlin.
The hybrid event took place both in-person at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum and online through live streaming, enabling participants worldwide to take part. ‘Sawa’ in Arabic means ‘together’ and the name was chosen to shed light on the collaborative nature of the museum studies programme.
A consensus was reached among participants on the importance of intercultural learning in the museum field to foster mutual understanding and cultural exchange; this was a key outcome of the meet.
Experts opined that intercultural learning should be integrated not only into how museums engaged with diverse communities, but also into how they promoted cultural awareness, developed global connections, and enhanced their role as inclusive educational spaces.
During the two-day event, participants discussed how intercultural engagement enriched museum practices, transforming them into spaces that organically connected diverse cultures and perspectives. Aisha Rashid Deemas, SMA Director General, said that “the SAWA Program has been a beacon of cross-cultural collaboration, fostering mutual understanding and professional growth among museum practitioners globally.
As we conclude this conference, we not only celebrate the achievements of the past ten years, but also look forward to a future where museums continue to thrive as centres of learning, inclusivity, and cultural exchange.”
A primary takeaway from the SAWA conference was the recognition of cultural collaboration as essential to driving innovation in museums. Jiwon Lee of Sharjah Art Foundation spoke on how the Sharjah Biennial engaged the community through hands-on workshops, and allowed students to experience “diversity in localities” where they learned from new cultures, while sharing their own. In a panel on curatorial roles, Dr. David Francis, Honorary Lecturer at University College London, emphasised the need for language and translation to enhance art accessibility and broaden audience understanding of artworks. Alya AlMulla of Sharjah Art Museum discussed aligning artists’ visions with cultural missions, while Suheyla Takesh from the Barjeel Art Foundation highlighted art’s ability to bridge cultural divides, strengthening museums as intercultural platforms.
In the session ‘Museum Interpretation’, Dr. John-Paul Sumner from North Lanarkshire Council demonstrated how interactive storytelling made museum content more relatable; it was critical for intercultural education. Discussions led by Emilia Sanchez Gonzalez, Doctoral Researcher, University of Luxembourg, underlined how inclusivity fostered engagement. Alya Buruhaima from SMA highlighted the Museum Express, which reached communities all across Sharjah, as well as its facilities that accommodated people of every age and ability.
Dr. Sohail Dahdal from the American University of Sharjah illustrated how museums enhanced engagement through immersive digital experiences, reinforcing their roles as inclusive, educational spaces for intercultural learning. He referenced an augmented reality project in collaboration with the SMA that brought historical artifacts to life, while Sophie Perl from Stadtmuseum Berlin noted that museums served as educational spaces where visitors could connect with narratives involving intercultural learning.
Panelists during the ‘Aspirations and Obstacles: Striving for Impact Amidst Challenges’ discussion moderated by Aisha Rashid Deemas, shared perspectives on heritage preservation and the challenges faced in the field.
Nasir AlDarmaki, Deputy Director of ICCROM’s Regional Centre in Sharjah, recalled its establishment in the emirate of Sharjah and shared success stories that highlighted the vital role of heritage preservation in the region.
Danielle Kuijten, Director and Co-curator of Imagine IC, Netherlands, introduced the innovative concept of Imagine IC as a combined library, museum and archive centre, though it did not formally hold the title of “museum”. She spoke of its work in safeguarding and enriching heritage, and the obstacles encountered on the way. Lina Dolfen, Director Kultur - und Heimathaus Stadt Blankenberg and SAWA graduate, offered her perspective on the challenges involved in establishing a museum in a small German village, underlining the complexities of bringing cultural institutions to rural areas.
SAWA Conference 2024 successfully brought to light critical issues facing museums today and provided a platform for collaborative problem-solving. As the conference drew to a close, participants expressed their commitment to continuing the dialogue and implementing the insights gained. Organised by SMA in collaboration with Strategic Partner Crescent Group and Platinum Partner Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority and supported by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany Dubai, the meet gathered museum professionals, academics and cultural enthusiasts from around the globe, who explored the evolution and future direction of museums, emphasising the value of international partnerships and cultural diversity as catalysts for innovation.
Crescent Group, a long-standing SMA partner, expressed pride in supporting the milestone event. Majid Jafar, CEO of Crescent Petroleum, said that “Crescent Group is proud to be a sponsor of this milestone celebrating the 10th anniversary of the SAWA Program, building on our years of collaboration with the Sharjah Museums Authority. We are honoured to have been a part of the fabric of Sharjah since our start in 1971 and to celebrate the spirit of openness and collaboration that has made the emirate of Sharjah, the Capital of Culture.”
“Moving forward, it is essential we build on the discussions and insights shared during this conference,” said Aisha Rashid Deemas. “By doing so, we can ensure that museums remain vibrant spaces that not only preserve cultural heritage, but also inspire and educate future generations.”