The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) has expanded its reach and deepened its impact through a new residency partnership as part of the 2026 cohort of TheMuseumsLab, an initiative that fosters collaboration, exchange, and professional development among museums across Africa and Europe. This collaboration marks a bold step forward, reinforcing YSMA's role as a leading institution for knowledge production, cultural exchange, and the future of museum practice in Africa and beyond.
Building Futures from Memory
Themed 'Building Futures from Memory: Museums and Memorial Sites as Agents', TheMuseumsLab 2026 focuses on transforming museums into spaces of dialogue and social change by fostering community engagement, justice, and reconciliation. The programme is jointly organised by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, with funding from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media and the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.
Selected as one of 66 partner museums for this edition, YSMA's entry into this distinguished network marks a significant milestone—not only for the institution but also for Nigeria's museum landscape. Notably, YSMA becomes the first Nigerian university art museum to join this influential Afro-European platform.
International Residency Programme
As part of this partnership, YSMA will host its first international residency programme in September 2026, welcoming two museum professionals from Uganda and the UK. The residency will serve as a dynamic space for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and cross-cultural dialogue, reinforcing the museum's commitment to education, public engagement, and the advancement of museum practice.
Speaking on the significance of this achievement, Jess Castellote, the Museum Director of YSMA stated: 'It affirms our commitment to positioning YSMA not just as a repository of art, but as a living institution dedicated to learning, dialogue, and exchange. Hosting a residency of this nature allows us to contribute meaningfully to the development of museum professionals across continents, while also bringing global perspectives into our local context. It is an opportunity to deepen our impact as an educational museum and to amplify African voices within international museum conversations.'
Solveig Rietschel, Head of TheMuseumsLab, added: 'YSMA's work reflects a thoughtful and forward-looking approach to the role of cultural institutions in society, with a strong emphasis on education, community engagement, and innovative programming. We are very excited about their upcoming residency, which will provide a vital platform for exchange between African and European professionals.'
Growing Influence in Africa's Cultural Landscape
The inclusion underscores YSMA's growing influence as a key player in Africa's cultural and educational landscape. Over the years, the museum has distinguished itself through robust programming, exhibition initiatives, and a commitment to bridging academic and public audiences. By participating in this Afro-European network, it not only elevates its global visibility but also contributes to shaping new narratives around African art, heritage, and museology. The residency programme is expected to catalyze new ideas, partnerships, and practices that will resonate far beyond the museum's walls.
