Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: December 2, 2025
The MuseumsLab 2026 Fellowship Programme is a prestigious fully funded capacity-building initiative designed for museum professionals from Africa and Europe. It provides an exceptional platform for African cultural leaders, curators, and heritage professionals to gain knowledge, strengthen networks, and co-develop sustainable museum practices that reflect African heritage and global diversity.
Organized by The German Federal Foreign Office, the Goethe-Institut, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and key African partners, the 2026 edition will include modules hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, and Berlin, Germany. The fellowship fosters collaboration, innovation, and dialogue between African and European museum professionals to shape the future of museums in a globalized world.
Benefits
For the onsite phases the following programme-related costs will be covered by the DAAD:
- International and national transport to arrive to and depart from programme locations (lowest possible economy class airfare and 2nd class train tickets)
- Local public transport (if applicable) during Module 2, Module 3 and the Residencies
- Airport transfers (Module 3 in Kigali, Residencies in Africa if applicable)
- Visa fees (for visa processes at official entities, reimbursement)
- Health insurance (reimbursement up to 40 Euros)
- Accommodation during the onsite Modules and Residency Locations
- Programme related entrance fees
- Daily allowance during the onsite Modules and Residencies (limited compensation for meals not provided in the programme)
Please note: All programme related travels and accommodations will also be arranged and booked by the DAAD.
SEE ALSO: German Institute for Development and Sustainability (IDOS) Shaping Futures Academy 2026
Eligibility Criteria
- African and European Museum professionals who have at least two years’ experience of working in the museum, heritage, or art sector and a relation to the overarching theme of the programme next year.
Professional competencies and experiences
Practical experience of at least 2 years in a museum, heritage site or art space, relating to themes such as Archaeology, Architecture, Art, Cultural History, Natural Sciences and Technology and a relation to the overarching theme of the programme next year.
Commitment to the programme
High motivation to actively engage in participation formats.
A prerequisite for the selection of a candidate is the binding commitment to participate in all activities of TheMuseumsLab.
Personal skills
Engagement in peer exchange, workshops, and evaluation processes, demonstration of interpersonal and leadership skills such as creativity, resilience, self-reflection, collaborative communication, adaptability, and a drive for ethical transformational roles in museums.
Language skills
Adequate language proficiency in English (written and spoken) is essential in order to participate actively in the programme.
Application Process and Documents Required
Interested applicants must:
- Complete the online application form available on The MuseumsLab website.
- Submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 3 pages)
- Motivation letter outlining professional goals and relevance to the fellowship
- Letter of recommendation from a supervisor or institution head
- Portfolio or project summary (optional but encouraged)
Call Document
