UAE - Tourism
Director General, Sharjah Museums Authority
Bio
Aisha Rashid Deemas has been Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority since June 2023. She formerly held the position of director of executive affairs at Sharjah Museums Authority, where she participated in long-term planning and overall management of the services provided to all Sharjah museums under the authority. She holds an MBA and a bachelor’s of international studies degree from the American University of Sharjah. She has 15+ years of experience in museums management.
Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, talks to TBY about the founding of the authority, its mission, and key goals for the coming year.
What was the founding vision of the Sharjah Museum Authority, and what are its key milestones?
The Sharjah Museums Authority was established in 2006, following the opening of several museums in Sharjah. The museum culture in Sharjah traces back to the early 1990s, with the Sharjah Archaeology Museum being the first to open, showcasing the Emirate’s archaeological findings. Since its inception, the museum scene in Sharjah has flourished, gradually expanding to encompass various cultural facets. In 2006, the government envisioned a centralized authority to oversee and manage these museums collectively, marking a significant milestone in Sharjah’s cultural landscape. The authority’s milestones often align with broader cultural achievements in Sharjah, such as being named the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2014. The museums actively participate in international events and collaborations, such as hosting exhibitions and conferences. They also maintain a robust educational program and engage with the community, reflecting a commitment to enriching cultural experiences for all.
How do you ensure each museum has a distinct identity and collection focus?
While each of our museums boasts a distinct collection and curatorial approach, our overarching vision emphasizes community involvement and educational programming. Instead of consolidating collections into one large museum, each museum occupies a unique building tailored to its specific focus and programming. For instance, our heritage museums, including the Sharjah Heritage Museum, Bait Al Naboodah, Sharjah Fort, and others, are housed in historic buildings, enriching the visitor experience by integrating architecture with exhibits. These museums focus on preserving and showcasing Sharjah’s rich heritage. We also have historical museums like Al Mahatta, a former airport turned aviation museum, which offers insights into Sharjah’s aviation history. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Sharjah Archaeology Museum delve into the history and cultural significance of Islamic civilization and archaeological discoveries. In the realm of art, the Sharjah Art Museum highlights contemporary and modern art, while calligraphy, considered an art form, finds its place within this category. Additionally, our “discovery museums,” such as the Sharjah Aquarium, Sharjah Science Museum, and Sharjah Discovery Centre for children, provide interactive experiences for visitors, fostering curiosity and learning.
Sharjah Fort marked its 200th anniversary in 2023. What special initiatives were undertaken to celebrate this occasion?
We consistently strive to collaborate with other entities within Sharjah’s cultural landscape, ensuring that our efforts complement each other and maximize resources. An example of this synergy was showcased during the celebration of the fort’s 200th anniversary. As part of the Sharjah Light Festival, the fort was illuminated, symbolizing its rich history and significance. Another notable collaboration occurred during the Sharjah Pink Caravan, an initiative raising awareness about breast cancer. The caravan made a stop at the fort, amplifying awareness efforts and engaging audiences in meaningful dialogue. Additionally, our museum hosted a series of seminars and talks called “Al Hisn in Memory,” highlighting historic events related to the fort throughout the year. Educational programs and school visits continued to be a focal point, particularly revolving around the anniversary celebrations. Furthermore, we annually participate in National Day celebrations, with the fort serving as one of the venues. This year’s festivities centered around the fort’s bicentennial, featuring a range of activities, workshops, and events to honor its legacy.
What loan programs are you participating internationally, and how do these programs and partnerships contribute to the global cultural exchange?
We are committed to collaborative initiatives, notably the SAWA Museum Studies Program celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. This program, initiated from a 2013 seminar, fosters cross-cultural exchange in museum studies. Called SAWA, meaning “together” in Arabic, it involves the Sharjah Museum Authority, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, and the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin (HTW), supported by the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region. The program’s distinctive co-learning approach involves Arab and European instructors collaboratively creating and delivering modules. Participants from both regions engage in collaborative learning, fostering dialogue and understanding between museum practices in the Arab world and Europe. With over 200 graduates, the program fosters a network of professionals contributing to the field. Alumni collaborate on a glossary project, sharing insights into museum practices through various mediums. We will host a conference in November to celebrate this milestone, inviting alumni and institutions to participate. Our collaborations extend beyond the program to exhibitions, fostering ongoing knowledge exchange. For example, our partnership with the Vatican Ethnological Museum in 2014 showcased Islamic artifacts never exhibited outside the Vatican, initiated by Ruler of Sharjah’s relationship with the Vatican Museum. The research conducted for the exhibition remains a valuable resource for both institutions, highlighting the enduring impact of our collaborative efforts.
The theme for International Museum Day in 2024 was the museums for education and research. How did you showcase the transformative role of museums in this day?
Every year on International Museum Day, we open our doors to the public with free admission, inviting everyone to experience the richness of our cultural heritage. But it does not stop there—throughout the entire week, we host a variety of workshops and activities across all our museums, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it is a family outing or a solo adventure, visitors can immerse themselves not only in the exhibits but also in engaging experiences. In addition to our events, we publish a journal titled “Museums in the Middle East,” which serves as a platform for sharing insights and experiences from museums across the region. By focusing on topics like museum participation and the impact of social media, we aim to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among museum professionals. In 2024, in alignment with our dedication to education and research, we have synchronized the release of our journal with the international calendar, providing a timely opportunity for reflection and learning.
What are some of the ways Sharjah Museums Authority prioritizes environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and social engagement in its activities?
Sustainability is multifaceted, encompassing environmental, cultural, social, and economic dimensions. For environmental sustainability, we minimize waste by reusing materials in exhibitions, recycling, and collaborating with waste management institutions. Cultural and social sustainability are equally crucial to us. As guardians of heritage, we actively involve the community in preserving cultural practices. In the Gulf region, oral history is a vital component of our heritage, and we actively engage with community members to document their experiences and memories, ensuring that these invaluable narratives are preserved for future generations. Additionally, we encourage community involvement in our museum activities, offering platforms for people, especially the elderly, to share their skills and knowledge through workshops and exhibitions. We also support local artisans by showcasing their crafts in our gift shops and events, celebrating and promoting traditional craftsmanship. In our commitment to social sustainability, we partner with universities to integrate student projects into their curriculum, offering practical experience and empowering students to shape our initiatives.
Looking ahead, what are the key goals and priorities for Sharjah Museums Authority for the coming year?
Our key goals or our key objectives can be summarized as follows: to preserve and present in the best way possible the museum collections, to enhance the visitor experience, practice diversity and inclusion in all the work that we do in the museums, and to ensure that we are ethical and sustainable in our practices as well.
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