Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Africa’s most globally-acknowledged artist, El Anatsui, Emeritus Professor of Sculpture, said there is a pressing need for museums to adapt, become malleable and responsive to an ever- changing world.”
El Anatsui said this in Dubai, UAE, recently in his key-note address to a gathering of world’s leading Arts figures at the 27th International Conference of Museums (ICOM).
The African Arts Icon said “much as my unfixed form sculptures, which change with context and installation, museums should not remain static, but evolve to become attuned to the complexities of the contemporary world.”
Prof. El Anatsui later engaged with a prominent Royal Figure, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in a discussion where both parties spoke on the decisive influence of Art in transcending cultures, geographical differences, and fostering dialogue and a shared understanding among communities.
Their discussion emphasised Art’s ability to go beyond even geography and language, and the means by which artistic expression can unite people, deepen emotional understanding and strengthen cultural ties on a global scale.
This UAE prominent royal figure also emphasised her country’s continued goal in championing creativity as a central part of its cultural vision. This, she said, has made Dubai an important meeting place for artists from every part of the globe.
The significant conference had as its theme: “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”.
As the conference was never held before in the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia, Dubai had the signal honour to be chosen this year as host. The conference venue was the World Trade Centre in Dubai; and deliberations lasted from November 12 to November 14, 2025.
His Royal Highness, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, its Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of Dubai’s Executive Council, attended the opening.
International reports indicate that the event welcomed 4,500 museum experts, cultural leaders, and decision-makers from around the world.
Addressing the gathering earlier, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasised that the gathering represented a shared vision shaping humanity’s future. She also noted that hosting this global event is a recognition of Dubai’s growing leading role on the world’s cultural stage:
“This extraordinary moment preserves our legacy and rekindles the memories of a path we began with ambition and purpose, whose goals we continue to realise. Dubai is a city that celebrates culture as a foundation for progress.”
She also thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose visionary leadership illuminated the path to this milestone.
“For the UAE,” she said, “towers or skylines do not measure progress, but by the values we hold, the ambitions we share, and the future we build together.”
The programme, curated by ICOM’s Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, featured keynote presentations by prominent figures, including the world-renowned African artist, El Anatsui, Emeritus Professor of Sculpture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Emma Nardi, President of ICOM, and Medea S. Ekner, Director General of ICOM.
The event also witnessed the opening of the Museum Fair, which showcased pioneering projects, and innovations from over 100 institutions worldwide, and included sessions primarily focused on the conference’s theme.
Topics featured at these sessions included Artificial intelligence(AI); Museums: From Vision to Global Action’; Reverse Mentoring: Empowering Youths for Museums and Heritage; Professional Development for Museum Workers (For Grantees); and Strategies for Conservation: Technological Obsolescence.
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