THE Yale Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (IPCH) is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to bolster museums and cultural institutions across the African continent. This exciting endeavour aims to create a new network of visionary leaders, educational programmes, and strategic collaborations with universities and global institutions, all designed to cultivate a new generation of skilled practitioners dedicated to preserving and promoting Africa’s invaluable collections.
Under the guidance of Charlotte Ashamu, Director of International Programmes at IPCH, this initiative will develop dynamic programmes that aim to deepen the world’s appreciation of cultural heritage. It also provides a unique platform for fostering learning, creativity, and innovation in this field. As Charlotte Ashamu herself states, ‘The goal is to cultivate a new generation of skilled practitioners in the culture and heritage sector, who will preserve and promote the continent’s rich collections.’
A cornerstone of this initiative is the inauguration of the Yale Directors Forum, a tailor-made fellowship programme dedicated to leaders of museums, cultural centres, libraries, archives, and heritage sites, all of which play a pivotal role in safeguarding Africa’s cultural heritage for current and future generations. The 18-month programme offers participants the opportunity to collaborate with renowned experts at Yale and around the world. Furthermore, it provides executive coaching and advisory services on collection preservation and care.
Yale University President, Peter Salovey, a key figure in establishing the Yale Africa Initiative in 2013, expressed his enthusiasm for the new programme, emphasising Yale’s commitment to strengthening and broadening its ties with Africa. He stated, ‘I am honoured to welcome the first cohort of the Yale Directors Forum. This programme will forge strong connections between the Yale community and outstanding leaders in the culture and heritage sector across Africa.’
The inaugural cohort comprises 17 fellows representing 12 African countries. This diverse group includes prominent figures such as Chao Tayiana Maina, an award-winning historian from Kenya; Michaella Rugwizangoga, Rwanda’s Chief Tourism Officer; and Makhosi Mahlangu, a renowned chef and specialist in indigenous foods from Zimbabwe.
Seun Oduwole, co-founder and director of Living Objects and one of the selected fellows, conveyed his excitement about the fellowship, saying, ‘This fellowship is an exciting opportunity to learn and contribute to the contemporary discourse around the preservation of cultural heritage. It is an honour to join a distinguished network of peers and practitioners in Africa and globally.’
This initiative underscores Yale’s unwavering commitment to fostering cultural heritage preservation and innovation in Africa, setting the stage for a new era of collaboration and preservation on the continent.
