Applications are open for the Reimagining Heritage, Archives and Museums: Today/Tomorrow mentorship programme

An exciting new opportunity for young graduates or professionals interested in the heritage, archives and museum sectors has just launched.

Reimagining Heritage, Archives and Museums: Today/Tomorrow is a new project that consists of three components, namely an international convening being held in Cape Town from 13 – 15 February 2024, a series of professional meetings in Johannesburg and Pretoria following the convening, and a parallel mentorship programme.

The mentorship programme is a tailor-made skills-sharing and development programme that will include virtual learning and in-person sessions to provide a platform for new voices to expand their knowledge and build networks. These sessions will be shaped around the convening themes and will aim to provide on-the-ground experience in curating and coordinating a convening. Mentees will have the opportunity to attend the convening and participate in the professional meetings.

Successful applicants will enjoy the opportunity to expand their knowledge and grow their network, with the support of some of the most prominent figures in the heritage, archive and museum sectors in Southern Africa and France. Individuals from South Africa, Lesotho, or Malawi are encouraged to submit their application now to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain invaluable experience in the heritage, archives and museum sectors.

All travel and accommodation costs relating to the mentorship programme will be covered by the convening, and participants will receive a stipend.

This project is an initiative of the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and the Embassy
of France.

Programme highlights include:

• January virtual learning: A series of virtual knowledge-sharing sessions featuring a combination of live and recorded content and reading material will serve as the first learning opportunity.
• 13 – 15 February in-person learning intensive: During these three days in Cape Town, mentees will engage with the convening programmes, delegates, key tours and activities and participate in workshops with the mentors and invited participants.
• 16-18 February Investec Cape Town Art Fair: Mentees will attend the fair along with other planned cultural events in and around Cape Town.
• 19 – 21 February professional meetings: Mentees will reconvene in person a week after the conference for three days of professional meetings in Johannesburg and Pretoria. They will engage in a programme of visits to cultural institutions and heritage sites and social gatherings with selected professionals.
• March virtual debrief and review sessions and submission of programme report.

You will be a suitable candidate if:

• You are a citizen of South Africa, Lesotho or Malawi
• You have recently graduated/are at the start of your career in the heritage, archive, museum or cultural sector
• You are between the ages of 20 – 29
• You will be available to travel and attend the international convening in Cape Town from 13 – 18 February 2024, and attend the professional meetings in Johannesburg from 19 – 21 February 2024.
• You will be available to attend virtual information, training and workshop sessions in January leading up the convening and in March.
• You are working in or have a keen interest in the heritage, archive and museum sectors, and plan to make a career in one of these areas
• You have some experience in, or are interested in, writing. You will be asked to write content about the convening (e.g. reporting on specific panel discussions, or summarising the outcomes of a workshop) for publications like IQOQO, as well as for reports to partners and funders.

All travel and accommodation costs relating to the mentorship programme will be booked and paid for by the Reimagining Heritage, Archives and Museums: Today/Tomorrow project. Participants will also receive a stipend.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their application by 13 December 2023.

Visit https://iqoqo.org/todaytomorrow/call-for-mentees/ to submit your application

To learn more about the Reimagining Heritage, Archives and Museums: Today/Tomorrow project, visit https://iqoqo.org/todaytomorrow or email projectmanager.museums@frenchinstitute.org.za.