DUBAI, United Arab Emirates–BUSINESS WIRE–
The Organising Committee of ICOM Dubai 2025 has made an exciting announcement that promises to significantly enhance inclusivity within the museum sector. In partnership with ICOM UAE, the committee has officially launched its Grant Programme focused on the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. This initiative underscores the committee’s commitment to promoting access and representation ahead of the upcoming 27th ICOM General Conference this November in Dubai.
This initiative is a beacon of hope for many in the museum field, especially at a time when diverse perspectives are crucial for cultural dialogue. A total of 140 grants will be made available, split equally between those who wish to participate in person and those who prefer digital access. Specifically, 70 grants will cover travel, accommodation, visa fees, and full admission for in-person attendees. The same number will be set aside for complimentary digital access, ensuring that barriers to participation are minimized.
The Grant Programme targets a wide audience, inviting museum professionals, students, and cultural practitioners who either hail from or contribute to the MEASA region. Applicants are encouraged to align themselves with the conference’s central themes: intangible heritage, youth empowerment, and the integration of new technologies in the museum sector. This focus not only broadens the scope of participation but also enriches the perspectives that will be showcased at the conference.
Applications can be submitted through the official ICOM Dubai 2025 website until 31 May 2025. Her Excellency Hala Badri, the Director General of Dubai Culture and Chairperson of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, emphasized the programme’s ethos: “At ICOM Dubai 2025, we are nurturing a legacy built on inclusion, opportunity, and shared purpose. This Grant Programme reflects our belief that a diversity of voices must shape the future of museums.” Badri’s remarks highlight a vision where multiple perspectives converge, creating a more nuanced and enriched global dialogue around cultural narratives.
The significance of this programme extends beyond mere logistics; it is about actively shaping the future of museums in a way that incorporates a wide array of cultural viewpoints. In doing so, ICOM Dubai 2025 aims not just to showcase established narratives but to co-create cultural stories with varied representation, fostering a richer, more inclusive environment.
The platform established by ICOM, which stands for the International Council of Museums, has long been pivotal in the museum community. Founded in 1946, ICOM provides a crucial space for museum professionals to collaborate and share knowledge. Representing over 57,000 members across 129 countries and nearly 20,000 museums worldwide, ICOM’s influence is felt globally. The UAE’s successful bid to host the ICOM General Conference 2025, backed by ICOM-UAE and key cultural entities, highlights its prominent role in global cultural dialogue and heritage preservation.
The chosen locale of Dubai underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering a vibrant creative economy while enhancing cultural connections. With a growing reputation as a center for international dialogue, hosting this major event reflects the nation’s aspirations to span cultural and geographical boundaries.
For those interested, information about how to apply for the ICOM Dubai 2025 Grant Programme is readily available on their official website. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to contribute to the dialogue that will shape the future of museums, enabling new narratives and diverse voices to emerge.
For further details, visit https://dubai2025.icom.museum/grants. Applications are open until 31 May 2025.
Source: Business Wire
