Sharjah Museums Authority To Host 'SAWA: A Decade Of Cross-Cultural Museum Learning' Conference

The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) is hosting a conference titled "SAWA: A Decade of Cross-Cultural Museum Learning" from Nov. 4 to 5.

The event will be held both in person at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum and online via live streaming, allowing people from around the world to take part, WAM reported.

The conference will open with speeches from important leaders, including Sheikh Fahim AlQasimi, Member of the Executive Council of Sharjah, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, who will discuss the importance of museums and culture in Sharjah and the need to strengthen international relations.

The event celebrates 10 years of the SAWA Museum Studies Program, which is a partnership between SMA, the Berlin State Museums, the Goethe-Institute Gulf Region and the University of Applied Sciences Berlin.

The event, organized by the SMA with support from Crescent Group and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, celebrates the success of the SAWA program, which has had a big impact on participants and the cultural scene.

Supported by the German Consulate in Dubai, the event highlights the strong relationship between the UAE and Germany and their shared goal of promoting cultural exchange and museum education.

The SAWA Conference will provide a space for detailed discussions on key ideas from the SAWA curriculum and offer great networking opportunities for museum professionals, helping build connections between different cultures.

Over the years, the SAWA Museum Studies program has helped participants grow both professionally and personally, giving them the skills they need to work in the museum industry. The program also played a big role in cultural diplomacy and global understanding by connecting Sharjah and Berlin through shared knowledge and experiences.

Sybille Pfaff, Consul General of Germany in Dubai, will discuss the Consulate's role in supporting cultural exchanges and international programs like SAWA, highlighting how global partnerships improve cultural understanding.

The morning sessions will include discussions with local and international experts about how working together between cultural institutions can raise museum standards and help the professional growth of museum staff and services.

Top speakers and cultural institutions will also explore how museums can better engage their audiences and improve outreach. They will cover important topics like curating exhibitions and strategies for museum displays.

The conference will end with a panel discussion called "Aspirations and Obstacles: Striving for Impact Amidst Challenges."

Aisha Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, will also speak during the event, sharing the story of how the SAWA program started, its growth and future goals, and the role of Sharjah's museums in promoting culture.