ICOM Dubai 2025 Launches Grant Programme to Amplify MEASA Voices Ahead of Historic General Conference
In a landmark move to foster inclusivity and regional representation, the Organising Committee of ICOM Dubai 2025, in collaboration with ICOM UAE, has officially launched its Participation Grant Programme targeting museum professionals, students, and cultural practitioners from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.
Marking the first time the International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference will be hosted in the MEASA region, ICOM Dubai 2025 will take place this November under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.” The event is expected to gather thousands of cultural leaders, academics, and professionals from across the globe.
As part of its core commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and diversity, the Grant Programme will offer a total of 140 grants, split equally between in-person and digital participation.
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In-person grants will cover travel, accommodation, visa fees (where applicable), and full access to the conference.
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Digital grants will provide complimentary access to the virtual programme for those unable or opting not to attend physically.
The grants are designed to elevate voices aligned with the conference’s three key pillars:
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Safeguarding Intangible Heritage
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Empowering Youth
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Integrating New Technologies
Applicants must submit a CV and a motivation letter (maximum 500 words), and may optionally include project ideas or proposals. Importantly, ICOM membership is not required to apply.
Applications are open until 31 May 2025 and must be submitted via the official ICOM Dubai 2025
Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Chairperson of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, stated:
“At ICOM Dubai 2025, we are nurturing a legacy built on inclusion, opportunity, and shared purpose. This Grant Programme reflects our belief that the future of museums must be shaped by a diversity of voices. By welcoming professionals from across the MEASA region, we are inviting a variety of perspectives to join the global dialogue and co-create the cultural narratives of tomorrow.”
The launch of this Grant Programme underscores ICOM Dubai 2025’s dedication to inclusive cultural dialogue, equitable access, and regional empowerment, ensuring the upcoming General Conference truly reflects the diverse and rapidly evolving communities it aims to serve.
