Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), joined leading figures from some of the world’s most recognized museums at the Museum Ideas 2018 International Conference in London.

Held from October 2nd to 4th, the three-day event saw experts from India, New Zealand, the US, Sweden, UAE, and the UK, discuss key topics related to the future of museums and their position in society.

Ms Ataya – the only speaker invited to address the distinguished gathering from the Middle East – presented the work of the emirate of Sharjah at the conference, which saw workshops and lectures take place at two of the UK capital’s most popular museums, the National Maritime Museum and the Museum of London. 

The 2018 edition of the Museum Ideas International Conference focused on the topics of activism, social justice, collaborative working, co-curation, and participatory practice.

Addressing an international audience at the Museum of London, she delivered a lecture titled ‘Museums as Vehicles of Social Change in the UAE’.

The Director General discussed the need for museums to rise to the challenge of remaining relevant, attractive and accessible to diverse audiences.

She explained how the role of museums are developing beyond being institutions solely focused on education and entertainment as they now play a vital role in communities by offering opportunities for social engagement.  She highlighted the “Because We Care” social responsibility initiative SMA established years ago and which has played a key role in creating important relationships with various groups including special needs, cancer patients, orphans and the Elderly to name a few. 

H.E. Manal Ataya, said: “The Museum Ideas 2018 International Conference is a unique opportunity to meet talented and inspiring individuals who, through their work at some of the world’s most outstanding museums, have had a direct impact on the lives of generations of people in their communities.

“It was an honour to have the opportunity to put Sharjah Museum Authority’s achievements in the spotlight and show the great work being done in the UAE to stimulate social change and community engagement by creating in all our museums an environment that is open to all but also investing in partnerships with local entities to go outside the museum walls and provide learning and fun activities to marginalized groups.

“SMA continues to provide a vital service to residents of Sharjah and the Emirates, as we encourage visitors to discover a love of learning that lasts for a lifetime.”

Website: http://www.sharjahmuseums.ae