As the UAE prepares to host the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) this November, the Organising Committee of ICOM Dubai 2025, in partnership with ICOM UAE, has unveiled a landmark Participation Grant Programme for cultural practitioners across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. This initiative reflects the conference’s broader mission of ensuring equity and representation in global cultural dialogues.
Elevating Diverse Perspectives in a Historic First for the Region
For the first time in its history, the ICOM General Conference — the world’s largest and most influential gathering of museum professionals — will be hosted in the MEASA region. ICOM Dubai 2025 will convene thousands of participants, from curators and scholars to heritage practitioners and students, under the central theme: The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.
To ensure this landmark event reflects the full scope of regional diversity, the Grant Programme will fund 140 recipients, split equally between in-person and digital participation. This includes 70 physical grants covering travel, accommodation, visa fees, and full conference access, and 70 digital access grants for those unable to attend in person.
The programme’s core intent is not only to enable participation, but to empower underrepresented voices — especially those aligned with the conference’s three thematic pillars:
- Safeguarding Intangible Heritage
- Youth Power and Empowerment
- Emerging Technologies in Museums
Supporting Cultural Change-Makers Across the MEASA Region
Eligible applicants include museum professionals, cultural workers, and students operating within — or contributing meaningfully to — the MEASA region. Notably, ICOM membership is not required, reinforcing the programme’s inclusive ethos.
To apply, candidates must submit:
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- A motivation letter (maximum 500 words) outlining their background and interest
- Optional proposals or project ideas related to the conference themes
All submissions must be made via the official conference website: ICOM Dubai 2025 by May 31, 2025.
A Vision for Regional Inclusion and Global Cultural Dialogue
Her Excellency Hala Badri,
Director General of Dubai Culture and Chairperson of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee
Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Chairperson of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, emphasised the initiative’s long-term vision:
“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.”
With this announcement, ICOM Dubai 2025 reaffirms its commitment to building a conference ecosystem rooted in inclusion, equity, and cultural relevance. As anticipation builds ahead of November, the Grant Programme stands as a significant milestone — one that opens doors for a new generation of museum professionals to influence how cultural institutions evolve amid shifting global dynamics.